RED-FOOTED TAMARIN
Saguinus midas
DESCRIPTION
The Red-Footed Tamarin, or Saguinus midas, is a small primate characterized by its striking coloration, featuring a mix of black and orange fur with distinctive red-orange markings on its feet and face. These tamarins are highly social animals, often found in groups that exhibit complex social structures and behaviors. They are known for their vocalizations and agility, which help them navigate the treetops of their forest habitats.
FUN FACTS
- Red-Footed Tamarins are known for their playful nature and often engage in acrobatic displays while jumping between branches
- They also have a unique social structure where all group members help care for the young, allowing the dominant pair to focus on breeding.| These tamarins have a diverse vocal repertoire, which includes whistles, trills, and chirps, used for communication within their groups
- Their vocalizations play a crucial role in maintaining group cohesion and alerting others to potential threats
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivi
Average Weight0.5-1 kg
Average Length25-30 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social StructureThey live in groups, typically consisting of 5-20 individuals, which include a dominant breeding pair and their offspring.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks depending on local conditions
- Habitat
- Red-Footed Tamarins inhabit tropical rainforests, particularly in areas with dense vegetation. They prefer the upper canopy where they can easily find food and evade predators.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest
- Native Range
- They are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, particularly in regions of the Amazon Basin.
- Continent
- South America
- Countries
- Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname
- Diet
- Red-Footed Tamarins primarily consume a diet of fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. They are opportunistic feeders, often foraging in the canopy for ripe fruits and insects.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- Fruits, insects
- Social Structure
- They live in groups, typically consisting of 5-20 individuals, which include a dominant breeding pair and their offspring.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 5-20
- Territorial
- 1
VU
LC
0.5-1 kg
Weight
25-30 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Black and orange fur with red-orange markings on feet and face.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males and females are similar in size and appearance.
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivi
- Gestation Period
- 140 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-3
- Sexual Maturity
- 1.5-2 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks depending on local conditions
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 50,000-100,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to deforestation and fragmentation of their rainforest habitat. Additionally, they face pressures from the illegal pet trade.
- Predators
- Birds of prey, snakes, and larger mammals such as jaguars.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on their agility and ability to escape into the treetops to avoid predators.
- Compatible Animals
- Other small primates, such as marmosets, in controlled environments.
- Found in Zoos
- Common