The Owl Monkey (Aotus spp.) as an Animal Research Model-Part 1: Taxonomy, Geographic Distribution, Anatomy, and...

Owl monkeys (Aotus spp.) are the only nocturnal simian primates and, as such, they are very different from other nonhuman primate species. Despite owl monkeys being used as animal models to study malaria for over 50 years, there is not much information about their requirements in captivity compared to other primate species commonly used in biomedical research. This may be due to the fact that owl monkeys are nocturnal, making them more difficult to study in their natural environment. Information about their natural environment and behavior is important for designing the most appropriate husbandry for these species in captivity. Here we briefly review the taxonomy, geographic distribution, anatomy, and behavior of the owl monkey in hopes that it will be useful for animal care personnel and researchers designing and conducting research with this invaluable animal model.