Tamarin

Saguinus and Leontopithecus spp

Range:..…... Tropical forest of Central and South America. Mainly the Amazon
Size: Head and body length 17 – 34 cm
Diet: Insects, soft fruit, nectar, birds eggs, snails, and plant exudates
Active: Diurnal


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Tamarin (Click to visit the Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve)

Tamarins are very diverse and their appearance is dependent on species. For instance, some lack hair on the face whereas others possess it. Some species have ornaments such as the moustache present in Saguinus mystax and S. imperator, or the mane present in the lion tamarin (Leontopithecus spp.) Groups normally range from 2 to 11 individuals, and adults frequently migrate between troops. Tamarin groups possess the ability to have suppressed female fertility in all but the dominant female, although they display minimal intragroup aggression with a high degree of tolerance and cooperation. Like marmosets, which are in the same family, the tail is not prehensile in any of the species and they lack an opposable thumb. Also like marmosets, tamarin males gnaw the bark of branches and soak them with urine, which is a means of scent communication. Tamarin groups are highly variable. They often include a single reproductive female and either two or more adult males, but sometimes they only include a single pair of adults. And rarely, groups can consist of two reproductive females and one or more males.





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