Cotton-top tamarin, Uraba, Colombia

A wonderful surprise on our first hike in Uraba. Restricted to a small range in the northeast of Colombia, the Cotton-top tamarin is one of the most endangered primates in the world, with a mere 2,000 adult individuals remaining in the wild. They have been extensively studied for their advanced behavior in cooperation, spite and communication.

Upon seeing them, they did not flee. Instead, they tried to chase us away using loud vocalizations, and trying to reach a position where they can defecate on our heads, a common strategy for many primates.

comments (5)

Christine Young

Lion

Absolutely incredible spotting Ferdy! What a great experience to see this animal in the wild (hopefully without getting pooped on). The IUCN Red List has them listed as "Critically Endangered" and states that there has been a severe reduction in population, which is estimated to be greater than 80% over the past 3 generations (18 years)! The severe decline is due to the destruction of habitat, which appears to be continuing. Major threats to them previously had been exportation for the pet trade, zoos, and use in biomedical research. Ironically, this species has been protected in Colombia since 1969. Posted 7 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks, it was wonderful, and no, they did not succeed :)
  
  Indeed, the rate of habitat destruction is staggering. I believe there's only 5% of its habitat left, and that small part is fragmented still. Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Wow, how awful! Posted 7 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      Awful - that there is so little habitat left, not that they failed to poop on your head. Posted 7 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Haha, uhuh. Posted 7 years ago

The Cotton-top tamarin

The cotton-top tamarin is a small New World monkey weighing less than 0.5 kg. One of the smallest primates, the cotton-top tamarin is easily recognized by the long, white sagittal crest extending from its forehead to its shoulders. The species is found in tropical forest edges and secondary forests in northwestern Colombia, where it is arboreal and diurnal. Its diet includes insects and plant exudates, and it is an important seed disperser in the tropical ecosystem.

Info 19 0

Similar species: Primates

Species identified by Ferdy Christant