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Species of the month

Cotton-top Tamarin

Saguinus oedipus

Some facts about this monkey:

Head and Body Length: 22.5–24 cm.
Tail Length: 33–40 cm.
Weight: 410–430 grams.
Range: Northwestern Colombia.
Habitat: Rainforest; deciduous and secondary forest.
Remaining number in the wild: About 6,000.
First described: By Linnaeus in 1758, who originally named it Simia oedipus.

Saguinus oedipus has a posh white hairstyle. These tamarins share food with offspring and siblings and also share guard duty: one keeping watch while the others forage. When invaders aproach, males fluff their hair up and attack. Females scent-mark their territory. The pet trade is posing a threat to their survival.

(Archived from Template:Species of the week)