Monkeys, Moonlight, and Monogamy in the Argentinean Chaco

Abstract

I had been considering whether I needed to capture owl monkeys ever since I finished my first field season in June 1996. I had confirmed that it is not possible to distinguish male and female owl monkeys reliably based on morphological sex differences while they are running through the canopy. I struggled with my own impatience and with everyone’s insistence to move ahead. I did not want to rush a decision; I could not take the risk of hurting or even worse, killing, one of my monkeys during the capture process, even though I had carefully consulted with veterinarians and colleagues about how to capture these small (1 kg) monkeys using a blowpipe and anesthetic darts. It took me three years to gain proper veterinary training and to secure all necessary local, national, and international permits.