Tamarin

Tamarins are a group of small New World monkeys in the subfamily Callitrichinae, comprising the genera Saguinus (the tamarins) and Leontopithecus (the lion tamarins). They are among the smallest primates, typically 15 to 25 centimeters in body length, with non-prehensile tails and weights of about 300 to 500 grams depending on species. Their range covers tropical forests of Central and South America, from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, with many species in the Amazon basin and the Atlantic Forest.

Tamarins live in small, cohesive groups usually led by a dominant pair. They practice cooperative breeding, with other group members contributing to infant care. Many species regularly give birth to twins, with both parents and other group members assisting in nursing and carrying the young. Pair bonds are common, and social organization supports alloparental care.

Their diet is omnivorous, including fruits, nectar, insects, and small vertebrates. They are active, arboreal foragers that rely on vocalizations to coordinate movement, defend territory, and alert conspecifics to danger. They often forage in pairs or small subgroups within the larger group.

Tamarins typically have small bodies, relatively short limbs, and non-prehensile tails. They possess specialized dentition and locomotor adaptations suited to a forested environment.

Threats include habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation. Several tamarin species are endangered or vulnerable, prompting in situ and ex situ conservation and habitat restoration programs. Notable species include the cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus), emperor tamarin (Saguinus imperator), golden-handed tamarin (Saguinus midas), and golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia).