Does pair-living translate into genetic monogamy in a Neotropical primate?

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In primates the proportion of pair-living species is much higher compared to other mammals. Against this background, we want to investigate in a combined field and laboratory study whether pair living is correlated with genetic monogamy. As study model we select the coppery titi monkey, Callicebus cupreus – a New World primate – that lives in pairs and where adult males are the principal carriers of dependent offspring. We want to observe social interactions between pair mates in 10 family groups of this species and non-invasively collect fecal samples for genetic analyses, to determine paternities and genetic relatedness. Furthermore, through ecological sampling we want to test the hypothesis that pair living is a consequence of highly dispersed food resources. This should results in a highly dispersed distribution of females resulting in males being able to monopolize only a single female. The proposed study will make a contribution to the understanding of the mechanisms and the evolution of pair living in primates and mammals in general and New World monkeys in particular.