Cottontop Tamarin (Siguinus oedipus)

Our Cottontop Tamarins Saguinus Oedipus, are on the ‘critically endangered’  species list and what’s more is we are extremely proud to be the only primate breeders in Southern Africa to own these magnificent specimen!

Appearance & Physical attributes: 

The Cottontop Tamarin can be easily recognised by their long, white sagittal crest extending from its forehead flowing over its shoulders, furthermore, the fur on their chest and arms are also white. The cottontop tamarins of which there are three various types, all have a chestnut brown fur covering all of the body except the palms of the hands and feet, the eyelids, and the borders of the nostrils. Moreover, the fur is distributed with varying densities and colourations  throughout the body. The skin of the face is black with grey or white bands located above the eyes. These bands continue along the edge of the face down to the jaw. What’s more is, the cotton-top tamarin, like other callitrichids, has two molar teeth on each side of its jaw, not three like other New World Primates.

Natural Habitat: 

The cottontop tamarin originates from a small area of northwest Colombia.

Conservation Status:

The wild population is estimated at 6,000 individuals, with 2,000 being adults. This species is critically endangered, and was listed in “The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates between 2008 and 2012.

Lifespan:

This variety of Tamarin monkey are amongst some of the smallest primates and live between thirteen to approximately 24 years.