Evidence of in situ hybridization between trans-Andean tamarin species (Callitrichidae, Oedipomidas) in northwestern Colombia.

Abstract

Hybridization between tamarins of the genus Oedipomidas (Callitrichidae) has recently been reported in captivity; however, no cases are known to have occurred in the wild. Here, we provide morphological and genetic evidence of the first known case of hybridization between the Cotton-top Tamarin (Oedipomidas oedipus) and Geoffroy's Tamarin (O. geoffroyi), which was incidentally found in the wild in northwestern Colombia. We compared the pelage color patterns of the 2 putative parents and the presumptive hybrid, genotyped 10 microsatellite loci and sequenced the mitochondrial hypervariable region I for the individuals of interest. The hybrid exhibits an intermediate phenotype between the parental species, shares alleles with each putative parent for all microsatellite loci, and a mitochondrial haplotype identical to that of the candidate dam. Our results are consistent with a first-generation hybridization event, with implications for understanding the evolution of trans-Andean tamarins and conservation.