Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Pied tamarin Latin Name: Saguinus bicolor Class: Mammals Order:    Primates Description Brown-and-white furred bodies are juxtaposed by bald, dark faces. Small bodies—hardly larger than squirrels—are juxtaposed by long tails.

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Range
Brazilian rainforest, north of the Amazon River

Status
Endangered

Habitat
As arboreal primates, pied tamarins live in the upper parts of trees within forests and swamps.

Niche
Pied tamarins live in social, multi-male/multi-female family groups. While they primarily eat fruits and flowers, they will gobble insects.

Life History
The vast majority of births are twins, born with fur, but helpless for a few weeks. Males provide much of the care for offspring, carrying the youngsters and feeding them once they wean.

Special Adaptations

• Pied tamarins may help disperse plantlife by eating fruits and dropping their seeds.
• They communicate audibly with whistles and chirps. They mark their scent throughout their territory. Visual signals are used, and pied tamarins employ complex tactile communication, primarily via social grooming.