Red-bellied Tamarin - Five Sisters Zoo

Red-bellied Tamarins are a species of New World monkeys, meaning primates that are found in South and Central America, and belong to the family Callitrichidae which contains the smallest species of New World Monkeys (tamarins and marmosets). The Red-bellied Tamarin is named for the patch of red fur on their abdomen, with black fur covering the rest of the body except for a small white moustache around the mouth and jaw. They are often found cohabitating with other species of Callitrichids such as marmosets and Goeldi’s moneky.

Facts

Diet: Omnivore; fruits, nectar, tree sap or gum, some insects such as grasshoppers and crickets during the dry season.

Weight: 350-550g

Length: 23-29cm

Habitat: Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia, in the Amazon rainforest; will reside in the tree canopy where they can access food and resources, rarely coming down to the forest floor.

Life span: up to 8 years in the wild, 8-10 years under human care but some have been known to live nearly double that amount.

Adapted to Survive

  • Will cohabitate with other monkey, sharing resources and watching for predators together
  • Utilize scent marking and complex calls to communicate within groups and send messages to those outwith the group

Threats

  • Habitat loss and deforestation
  • Possible capture for the illegal wildlife and pet trade

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern

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