Habitat:

This species is found in tropical rainforest edges and secondary forests. The
Cotton Top Tamarin has been found in a variety of habitats from wetland tropical forest,
to moist woodland forest and dry thorn forest savannah within Columbia,
although used to exist in other parts of South America.

Description:

The Cotton Top Tamarin has a long crest consisting of white hairs, from
the forehead to the back of the neck flowing over the shoulders. The skin of the face is
black with grey or white bands located above the eyes. Its lower canine teeth are
longer than its incisors, creating the appearance of tusks . The back is brown, and the
underparts, arms and legs are whitish-yellow. The rump and inner thighs and upper tail
are reddish-orange. It weighs 432 g on average and its head–body length is
20.8–25.9 cm while its tail—which is not prehensile—is slightly longer at around
33–41 cm.

Status:

Critically Endangered

Interesting facts:

• These remarkable little primates derive their common name from the striking shock of white hair on their heads. Each individual has his or her own unique “hairdo”; some longer,
some shorter, some sleeker, some fluffier.
• The Cotton Top Tamarin is a diurnal primate which means that they are most active during the day and rest in the safety of the tree tops during the night.
• Diet: The Cotton Top Tamarin primarily feeds on fruits and insects. It also consumes flowers, leaves, nectar and gums of trees and occasionally small vertebrates such as frogs and lizards.
• These social monkeys live in groups of 3 to 13 individuals, with the average being around seven.
• These Tamarins are territorial, scent marking their home ranges and defending them with showy confrontations, fluffing up their fur and making loud calls to scare away intruders
and attract individuals from their own group.
• Gestation: The Cotton Top Tamarin usually gives birth to twins after a gestation period of around 140 days .
• Reproduction: There can be more than one adult male and female in the group but only one female actually breeds. Reproduction in other females is suppressed by the behavioural
domination of the reproductive female. Females reach sexual maturity at 18 months & males at 24 month.
• This species has a form of cooperative breeding, which isn't present in many other Primates. It consists of adult 'helpers' staying in the family and gaining breeding experience instead
of breeding themselves .
• Predators: Wild cats, dogs, snakes and birds of prey , along with humans who are destroying their natural habitat.
• Lifespan: 13-20 years.