The Tamarin
Appearance
This species has a very surprising appearance. They are small, squirrel-like, warm-blooded monkeys. The tamarin’s fur color varies a lot. Some are golden while others might be black. Silky coats with brightly colored tufts of fur appear on this mammal. Their fur covers their whole body except for their face. This furball either has a white mustache or muzzle. Lion Tamarins have widened nostrils and really long hands. This small monkey’s thumbs can move side to side like human thumbs. These are called opposable thumbs. A tamarin’s hind legs are longer than the front legs for jumping long distances.The tails can be up to 17 inches long on this monkey. The tamarin weighs about one to two pounds.
Habitat
The tamarin lives in the tropical habitat of the rain forest. They are New World monkeys, which means this species is an inhabitant of South America.They can be found in the countries of Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. The Amazon Rain Forest is located in these countries. All but one type of tamarin, the Rufous Naped Tamarin, can be located in the Amazon. The Rufous Naped Tamarin lives in Central America. Tamarins in the Amazon live in the canopy layer of the rain forest. This species can be found sleeping in tree holes 10-30 meters of the ground. Sometimes this primate takes midday naps.The tamarin scent marks its territories. Territories range from 25-100 acres. Unfortunately, they’re their territories are shrinking due to deforestation to make room for crops.
Prey
Friends and Enemies
Tamarins have as many enemies as friends. Some enemies include wild dogs and jungle cats. This primate can also be attacked by Harpy Eagles and hawks. Another enemy is the snake. This type of monkey moves quickly from tree to tree to avoid predators. This monkey can also use his coat for camouflage against the trees. Human beings are also enemies of this species. For instance people are cutting down the tamarin habitat. This primate also gets hit by cars on the roads being built through the forest. People are also cutting down trees for farming, agriculture, and housing. Due to this, the conservation status of the Golden Lion Tamarin is endangered. There are only about 400 left in the world.
Tamarins also have many friends in its territory. They are closely related to the species of the tiny marmoset. This New World monkey lives in groups up to 40 members and communicates by high pitched noises. Only one female tamarin mates at a time, but may mate with any male in that group. The female gives birth to non-identical twins. The babies cling on to the father’s back, while the mother feeds the babies every two to three hours. When the babies are six months old they start to take care of themselves.
As you can see, the tamarin does have a very interesting appearance, habitat, prey, and friends and enemies. With your help, we might be able to save this monkey from extinction.
Bibliography
Braun, Eric, and Sandra Donovan. Tamarins. Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 2002. Print.
"Leontopithecus Rosalia (golden Lion Tamarin)." Animal Diversity Web. Web. 19 Feb.
2016.
"Tamarin." Britannica School. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2016. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.
<http://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/313769>.
Tamarin. Wildlife and Plants of the World. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 1999. Print.
Tamarin. World Book Encyclopedia. Chicago, IL: World Book, 1998. Print.