A striking and critically endangered primate native to the rainforests surrounding Manaus in the Brazilian Amazon. This small monkey is instantly recognizable by its distinctive appearance and has become a symbol of the rich biodiversity and ecological challenges in this region.

One of the most notable features of the Pied tamarin is its unique fur pattern and coloration. It has a stark white face surrounded by a mane of dark fur, and its body is covered in a mix of white and dark brown or black fur. This vivid contrast not only makes the Pied tamarin visually distinctive but also provides camouflage in the dappled light of its forest habitat, helping it to avoid predators.

Despite their diminutive size, they are incredibly agile and adept at maneuvering through the complex canopy of the rainforest. Their diet mainly consists of fruits, flowers, nectar, and insects, making them important pollinators and seed dispersers within their ecosystem.

Socially, Pied tamarins are highly communal animals. They live in groups of up to 15 individuals, but more commonly around 4 to 5, comprising both males and females along with their offspring. These groups are tight-knit, with members cooperating in the care of the young, foraging, and vigilance against predators. Such social cooperation is crucial for their survival, especially given their small size and the array of predators they face, including birds of prey, snakes, and larger mammals.

Reproduction in Pied tamarins is particularly interesting. Typically, only the dominant female in a group breeds, with subordinate females often assisting in the rearing of the young. The dominant female can give birth to twins twice a year, which is common among tamarins. This high reproductive rate is vital for maintaining population numbers, especially in the face of ongoing habitat loss.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Brazil

35,000

Official estimate

CR

2015

Amazonas

Did you know?

• In the game Super Auto Pets, the pied tamarin is featured as a pet character.