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Morphological and Genetic Characterization of Saimiri boliviensis

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Abstract

The taxonomy of Saimiri is controversial because morphological characteristics, traditionally used for identification, are insufficient to distinguish species and subspecies. Genetic studies of specimens become relevant for captive management, especially considering their frequently unknown geographical origin. We analyzed phenotypic and genetic parameters in Saimiri spp. in Argentinean zoological gardens and biological stations to provide a more accurate taxonomic identification. We studied 27 males and 19 females of Saimiri spp. The cytogenetic analysis in mitotic metaphases corroborated a modal number of 2N = 44, XX/XY, and FN = 75 for males and FN = 76 for females. G- and C-bands, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and the pelage coloration pattern of all the specimens corresponded to Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis. We characterized for the first time the sperm cell morphology and morphometry (mean ± SE): total length: 71.39 ± 5.40 μm; head length: 5.71 ± 0.81 μm; head width: 3.76 ± 0.70 μm; acrosome length: 3.70 ± 0.82 μm; midpiece length: 12.20 ± 2.22 μm. Researchers can use the characterization of the sperm morphology as another parameter for taxonomic identification that, together with cytogenetic and molecular ones, would allow a more precise identification of individual Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis.

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Acknowledgments

All research reported here complied with appropriate national and institutional guidelines for the legal acquisition and use of laboratory animals and authorized study of wild animals. The authors adhered to the Guide for Care and Use of Experimental Animals as promulgated by the Canadian Council of Animal Care. We thank the head of the institutions that made possible the genetic studies presented here, the veterinarians who collaborated in the sampling of all specimens, and the caretakers of the subjects. We especially thank C. Galliari (Botanical and Zoological Garden, La Plata, Argentina), G. Zunino (EBCo Breeding Center, Corrientes, Argentina); J. García (CEM Breeding Center, Chaco, Argentina), B. Carpinetti (ECAS Zoological and Breeding Center, La Plata, Argentina), M. Rivolta and M. Mas (Zoo Buenos Aires, Argentina), and G. Solís and A. Burna for their assistance in the management of the subjects, as well as M. Giordano (CITEFA), who provided valuable technical assistance with the ESEM. MDM PIP-CONICET 2450 and 5012, UBACyT X031 and X107, and ERS Sigma Xi 3040277 provided funding for this project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Grupo de Investigación en Biología Evolutiva (GIBE). FCEyN, UBA. CONICET. Laboratorio 46, 4to. Piso, Pabellón II, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes 2160 (C1428EHA), Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Eliana Ruth Steinberg, Mariela Nieves, Marina Sofía Ascunce & Marta Dolores Mudry

  2. USDA-ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, 1600 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA

    Marina Sofía Ascunce

  3. CITEFA. Juan Bautista de la Salle 4397 (B1603ALO), Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Ana María Palermo

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  1. Eliana Ruth Steinberg
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  2. Mariela Nieves
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  3. Marina Sofía Ascunce
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  5. Marta Dolores Mudry
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Correspondence to Eliana Ruth Steinberg.

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Steinberg, E.R., Nieves, M., Ascunce, M.S. et al. Morphological and Genetic Characterization of Saimiri boliviensis . Int J Primatol 30, 29–41 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-008-9328-8

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