Cotton-top Tamarin - Five Sisters Zoo

These New World monkeys have brown or black fur on the top part of their body and white on their legs, belly, and chest. Their faces and ears are black and are covered in short grey hair.

Facts

  • Diet: Omnivores
  • Weight: 350 to 450 grams
  • Length: their body is 20 to 28 centimetres, and their tails are 31 to 41 centimetres
  • Habitat: Tropical forests of Colombia
  • Lifespan: in the wild, they live around 13 years; under human care, they can live up to 23 years

Adapted to Survive

  • Individuals have sharp claws, except for their big toes that help them cling and climb trees.
  • Individuals in a group look after each other’s fur, removing parasites and dirt.
  • Strength in numbers! They live in family groups; just one female breed gives birth to twins, but the entire family looks after the youngsters taking turns.
  • All members work as a team to defend their group from predators.
  • During any rest periods throughout the day, one individual stands guard, alerting the group to threats.

Threats

  • Pet Trade
  • Habitat Loss

IUCN Conservation Status

Critically Endangered

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