Cotton-top Tamarin

Saguinus oedipus oedipus

Status in the Wild:

Endangered

Range:

Northwest Columbia

Habitat:

Upper strata of the rainforest

Size/Weight:

Head to body length is 19 to 31 centimeters. Tail length exceeds the body length for an overall length of 40 to 90 centimeters. They weigh about 260 to 900 grams.

Coloration:

There is a distinctive crest of white hair on the head, they have a brown back, and yellow to white undersides and extremities. Their face is black and white.

Habits:

They are monogamous and extensive parental care is provided to the young with assistance from older siblings. They live in social groups as large as 15, comprised of a breeding pair and their offspring. Tamarins are active 10 to 11 hours a day from sunup to sundown.

Diet:

Cotton-top tamarins eat fruit, tender vegetation, insects, small lizards and eggs.

Reproduction/Gestation:

The birthing season is from January to June with a gestation of 125 to 170 days. One to three young are born, typically twins.

Similar Species:

Emperor tamarin, Geoffroy’s tamarin, Mustached tamarin.