Captive Propagation of Vervet Monkeys (Cercopithecus Aethiops) in Harems

A small breeding colony of captive vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops), consisting of ten single male harem groups, was established in Kenya. Vervets were extremely prone to stress after capture and manipulative procedures led to high mortalities. Six weeks were required for partial habituation, after which routine handling was not too problematic. However, complete adjustment to captivity took a minimum of one year. Establishment of stable breeding groups from adult animals initially proved difficult because of fighting among females. Once harem groups stabilized, reproductive rate was high with just under 90% pregnancies and 85% livebirths annually. Births exhibited a seasonal pattern similar to that reported from wild populations in Kenya.