　Squirrel monkeys, which are classified within New World monkeys of the Family Cebidae, live in the tropical rainforests of the central and southern America. We have succeeded in constant breeding of squirrel monkeys native to Bolivia (Saimiri boriviensis) since 1981, probably because the subtropical oceanic climate of Amami Oshima was good for them. In the wild environment of the southern hemisphere, a mating season is around June to September, and a birth season is around December to February. However, in the northern hemisphere where our facility located, the mating and breeding seasons are reversed. Adult males weigh about 900-1200g and females weigh about 500-800g. Each monkey has a curious and gentle personality, and even adult males are easily handled. Squirrel monkeys are known as the best in vivo model of mararia, because they are susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum.

　Owl monkeys (genus Aotus) are also small primates of the Family Cebidae native to South America. Excluding Tarsiiformes such as Tarsiers, Owl monkeys are the only nocturnal primates among Simiiformes including humans. Despite its nocturnality, their eyes have no tapetum, and it is presumed that their ancestor evolved from diurnal to nocturnal. Owl monkeys hide and sleep in tree hollow during the day, they become active during the night and are able to catch flying insects even in darkness. Their weights and body sizes are slightly larger than the squirrel monkeys. Owl monkeys form the herd in family units. They are known to continuous breeder, and have unique feature that males carry their baby on their back and raise the baby except when breastfeeding. Owl monkeys are sensitive to P.vivax and are also useful as the animal model for human malaria.

　Amami Laboratory of Injurious Animals is international joint usage and research center capable of infection experiment up to BSL3 pathogens in non-human primates. In 2003, the building for infection experiment equipped with animal experiment rooms (ABSL2, and BSL2) that can accommodate cynomolgus monkeys and rhesus monkeys was completed. In addition, since 2005, our facility became as a primate experimental base of the International Center for Infectious Diseases, and in 2006, a high containment animal room for monkeys (ABSL3) and culture room (BSL3) were also completed. We have conducted infection experiments using various pathogens such as highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, measles virus, equine herpesvirus, mycobacteria, cryptosporidium, Plasmodium falciparum, and P.vivax, etc. If you have any requests for collaborative research in primates, please contact us.

　Inquiries on matters other than the above are also welcome. In the separate building, there are the animal breeding rooms for New World monkeys, the room for Keeping of specified animals such as poisonous snake Habu (Protobothrops flavoviridis), the SPF mouse room, and the standard laboratory and culture rooms (BSL2). Please feel free to contact us if there is anything we can help you.