Cotton-top Tamarin
The cotton-top tamarin, with its iconic white crest and tiny stature, thrives in Colombian forests. This vocal, social primate not only charms with its appearance but also aids ecosystem health by dispersing seeds, ensuring forest vitality. A true blend of beauty and ecological importance.
Brown, Black, White, Tan
Color
Characteristics
Saguinus oedipus, commonly known as the cotton-top tamarin, is a small monkey found in the tropical forests of northwestern Colombia. It is distinguished by its striking crest of white hair and small size, typically weighing less than a pound. These tamarins are highly social, living in groups led by a dominant pair and known for their vocal communication. They play a vital role in seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration.
Distribution Range of the Cotton-top Tamarin
Saguinus oedipus, commonly known as the cotton-top tamarin, is native to the northwestern region of Colombia in South America. This species is primarily found in the departments of Atlántico, Bolívar, and Sucre.
Cotton-top Tamarin's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
The cotton-top tamarin inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, specifically preferring secondary forests, edge habitats, and areas with dense understory. The region experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, where temperatures typically range from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F).
Ecological Niche
Saguinus oedipus is an arboreal species, spending most of its life in the tree canopy. It plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as a seed disperser and is part of the complex forest food web, feeding on a varied diet that includes fruits, insects, and plant exudates. The tamarin's adaptation to edge habitats and secondary growth areas reflects its resilience to certain levels of habitat disturbance, although it remains vulnerable to larger-scale deforestation.
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