Infant sharing in the family colobidae emphasizingPygathrix

Infant sharing of newborn has been observed in nature or captivity forColobus, Pygathrix, and several species ofPresbytis. It is suggested that this behavior may also occur inNasalis andProcolobus. Captive evidence demonstrates a need for field confirmation on birth intervals and further work on infant sharing as a possible survival mechanism.Juvenile males may participate more in infant sharing than is generally realized. Captive behavior inPygathrix indicates possible female dominance in infant sharing, for this species.