IUCN Red List status:
Critically Endangered
For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org
The cotton-top tamarin is one the world’s most endangered primates, with only 2,000 left in the wild due to habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade.
They’re threatened by habitat loss from deforestation. Their habitat is being cleared to make room for agriculture, and despite being legally protected they’re caught for the pet trade.
The tamarin has sharp claws for gripping branches as they jump between trees in their forest habitat.
They have claws instead of nails unlike other New World monkeys. They also have a small lightweight body lets them reach smaller, higher branches.
They look after young as a family group of between two and nine individuals. But only one female gives birth each breeding season. She’ll usually have twins and the whole group will help care for them.