ORDER

Primate (primates)

FAMILY

Callitrichidae (marmosets and tamarins)

HABITAT AND RANGE

Cotton-top tamarins have a very small range and can only be found in northwest Columbia. They are arboreal so they seek out tall, thick tropical rain forests.

IDENTIFICATION

Cotton-top tamarins are easily recognizable by their long white mane growing from the forehead back to the nape. The back is brown while the arms and legs are whitish yellow. They have claws instead of nails and no opposable thumbs. The average body length is 8 inches not including the 12-18 inch tail and body mass is about 1.3 lbs.

DIET

Cotton-top tamarins are omnivorous. They primarily feed on insects and large amounts of fruit. They can also hunt small lizards, birds and eggs. They can often be seen licking sap from trees and find the majority of their water requirement from leaves that collect moisture from rainfall and dew.

REPRODUCTION AND LIFESPAN

Cotton-top tamarins live in groups of 2-12 individuals with one monogamous dominant breeding pair at the head. The other members of the group do not reproduce. Gestation lasts 180 days and most young are born in April thru June. Twins are common. Rearing duties are shared by all members of the group (group members are genetically related so it is to their benefit to care for the young). Infants are carried by family members for 70-80 days and are weaned around 4-5 weeks. Lifespan in the wild is 10-15 years and have been known to live up to 22 years in captivity.

NOTES

Cotton-top tamarins are one of the most endangered primates in the world; only 2,000-3,000 individuals are known to exist. Loss of habitat due to logging is their chief contributor to their demise. Captive cotton-top tamarins are the only primates who can spontaneously develop colon cancer. This makes them a huge interest in the medical world for cancer research. Tamarins produce up to 30 different vocalizations each with a specific meaning.