Assessment of genetic variability in captive capuchin monkeys (Primates: Cebidae)

Area of Science:

• Primatology
• Genetics
• Zoology

Background:

• Capuchin monkeys (Cebus and Sapajus genera) inhabit a broad geographical range from Honduras to Argentina.
• Understanding genetic and phenotypic diversity is crucial for conservation, especially at species' distribution limits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the genetic and phenotypic variability of captive Sapajus cay (SCY) and Sapajus nigritus (SNI) at their southernmost distribution in Argentina.
• To assess the phylogeographic relationships of these populations with other Sapajus species.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of external morphology, karyology, and mitochondrial DNA control region (mtDNA-CR) sequences from 44 captive individuals.
• Sequencing of a 515-bp mtDNA-CR fragment and construction of a haplotype network including published data.

Main Results:

• Three morphotypes and associated karyotypes were identified in SCY, while SNI showed a single morphotype and homogenous karyotype.
• Heterochromatin patterns displayed geographical variations within species.
• Four distinct genetic groups were identified among SCY and SNI samples, with two divergent SCY groups (NOA and NEA) showing high mitochondrial diversity.
• SCY samples were phylogenetically closer to Sapajus apella than to Sapajus macrocephalus.

Conclusions:

• Complementary genetic tools are essential for a thorough assessment of SCY and SNI diversity across their distribution ranges.
• Distinct genetic lineages within SCY warrant further investigation for conservation purposes.