The Owl Monkey (Aotus spp.) as an Animal Research Model. Part 2: Physiology, Immunology, Reproduction, 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 an animal model 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. Adaptation to a nocturnal life implies changes in the biology of the species, changes that are not seen in diurnal nonhuman primates. Here we briefly review the physiology, immunology, reproduction, and environmental requirements of the owl monkey in hopes it will provide guidance to animal care personnel and investigators when designing housing and managing this invaluable species in captivity.