Callitrichidae

expand (Guy et al., 2016; Oliveira et al., 2009). According to the Nature Conservancy, more than 85% of the Atlantic forest has been cleared, leaving only small patches of tropical forests. The home range for one group of GLTs is larger than the average size of forest patches. As a result, it is difficult for the GLTs to expand their population growth. Isolated populations lead to decreased gene flow, causing a reduction in genetic diversity, ultimately leading to the populations becoming vulnerable to disease and stochastic affects (Mickelberg, 2011). Humans pose another threat by capturing GLTs for trade and keeping them as pets (IUCN, 2008). Ecology and Natural History: GLTs are small New World primates, belonging to the family Callitrichidae. GLT’s get their common name from their orange/red hair color which is longer around their face, resembling a lion’s mane. GLTs range from 8 to 13 inches long, with a tail that is between 12 to 15 inches. About the size of a squirrel, adults weigh roughly 1.5 pounds (Kierulff et al., 2012). Males and females look similar with the exception of males being slightly larger than females. Reproduction often occurs via monogamy, however polyandry and polygyny has been observed. GLTs reproduce once or twice a year, most commonly giving birth to twins, which occurs about 78% of the time (Zeigler, 2010). The average life span of GLTs is 15 years in captivity and eight years in the wild. However, National Geographic has the oldest GLT…

Introduction The family of Callitrichidae houses the Saguinus imperator, or the Emperor Tamarin. This species can be further classified into two sub-species: Sanguinus imperator subgrisescens and Sagninus imperator imperator. They are included in the group of New World Monkeys. Emperor tamarins are known for their long white mustaches; in fact, they were named after the Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany because he shared this distinct facial accessory (“Emeror tamarin fact file”). The Emperor…

The Emperor Tamarin is a very interesting creature with many unique features that makes this monkey a star in my heart. This monkey sporting a wicked white mustache is under the classification of Mammalia and is a omnivore. Its diet includes sap, fruits and even some small birds and lives along with a crew of 20 other Emperor Tamarins. The Emperor Tamarin is a small monkey ranging 9.2 inch to 10.2 inch but have a 15 inch tail on average (“Emperor Tamarin” - Mac Como Zoo). The Emperor Tamarins…

The Smallest Monkey: Pygmy Marmoset The pygmy marmoset is one of the smallest primates to ever live on earth. Pygmy marmosets have a very distinct habitat, family classification, and physical characteristics that make it a unique monkey. Pygmy Marmosets are found only the deep forests located in various countries. They roam high up in the trees of the forest, and blend in very well with their surroundings. They live in the forests of Columbia, Brazil, Ecuador, and parts of Bolivia (Pygmy…

Pithecia pithecia (white-faced saki); top right, foot of Lemur catta (ring-tailed lemur); bottom left, foot of Pan troglodytes (common chimpanzee); bottom right, foot of Cercopithecus hamlyni (Hamlyn’s owl monkey). Page 4 of 21 Primate Taxonomy Replacement of sharp, compressed claws by flat nails; development of very sensitive tactile pads on the digits Figure 5. Photograph of a variety of primate hands showing the presence of flattened nails and sensitive dermatoglyphs. Top right,…