This study will explore the development of foraging behavior in golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia rosalia). These small monkeys are unusual among primates in that they live in tight-knit family groups and all group members assist in infant care. Young may learn information concerning what to eat and where to search for food by sharing the foraging sites of parents and other group members. In addition, dietary information may be obtained when food is directly transferred from older individuals to immatures. Using behavioral observation to be gathered at both the National Zoological Park (Washington, DC) and in Brazil, the researchers will investigate the degree to which young tamarins take advantage of opportunities to learn about diet and foraging from others. The relative importance of various kin and non-kin as role models and age-changes in food sharing will be investigated. A series of hypotheses regarding the social benefits of food sharing will be tested. Food sharing among tamarins is more frequent and more complex than in any other primate aside from humans. The data gathered will allow for the comparison of these behaviors in the two species. Additionally, as the golden lion tamarin is a severely endangered species, the data may well assist in the conservation of the species.
