Cotton-top Tamarin
General Information
Cotton-top tamarins are a small primate weighing less than 500gms and live in small family groups with a dominant breeding pair. Cotton-tops are one of the most endangered primates in the world. Their name arises from the white mane of hair which they can puff up when they are alarmed to make them look bigger.
This rainforest dweller is diurnal, active in the daytime and omnivorous with a diet of fruit, flowers, gum, insects and invertebrates.
Latin name - Saguinus oedipus
Class - Mammals
Order - Primates
Family - Callitrichidae
IUCN Status - Critically Endangered (CITES Appendix 1)
Habitat - Rainforest
Distribution - North West Colombia
Threats
Habitat destruction.
Lifespan
Up to 25 years in captivity.
Fun Fact
Cotton-top tamarins are usually born in twins and it is dad that carries them around on his back instead of mum!
Our residents
We have 2 cotton tops here at Battersea Park Zoo, having arrived in June 2019 from Blackpool Zoo. Siblings: Diego and Nellie are very cheeky and can often be seen sunbathing together and grooming each other!
We are proud to support Proyecto Titi, the charity working to save the remaining wild cotton top tamarins, and we are excited to continue supporting this critically endangered species. Please don't hesitate to ask a colleague if you would like to help support this iconic Columbian species.
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