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Numerous animals have declining populations due to habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change. The cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) is a Critically Endangered primate species, endemic to northwest Colombia, threatened by deforestation and illegal trade. In order to assess the current state of this species, we analyzed changes in the population of cotton-top tamarins and its habitat from 2005 to 2012. We used a tailor-made “lure strip transect” method to survey 43 accessible forest parcels that represent 30% of the species’ range. Estimated population size in the surveyed region was approximately 2,050 in 2005 and 1,900 in 2012, with a coefficient of variation of approximately 10%. The estimated population change between surveys was -7% (a decline of approximately 1.3% per year) suggesting a relatively stable population. If densities of inaccessible forest parcels are similar to those of surveyed samples, the estimated population of cotton-top tamarins in the wild in 2012 was 6,946 individuals. We also recorded little change in the amount of suitable habitat for cotton-top tamarins between sample periods: in 2005, 18% of surveyed forest was preferred habitat for cotton-top tamarins, while in 2012, 17% percent was preferred. We attribute the relatively stable population of this Critically Endangered species to increased conservation efforts of Proyecto Tití, conservation NGOs, and the Colombian government. Due to continued threats to cotton-top tamarins and their habitat such as agriculture and urban expansion, ongoing conservation efforts are needed to ensure the long-term survival of cotton-top tamarins in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study which explores the population density of Saguinus leucopus, an endemic primate, in forest patches with different physical and biological features in Colombia. It compares the population density of the species in forest remnants of different alteration level and examines the relationship between population density and the size, isolation distance, and shape as well as the altitude of the patches. It reveals that S. leucopus is considered an endangered species due to its small distribution area as well as habitat loss.

Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data were used to classify forested areas within the historic distribution of the endangered cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) in Colombia. This species continues to be threatened by habitat destruction, and we observed a 31% decrease of the forested habitat within the tamarins' historic distribution in 1990–2000. It is estimated that since the establishment of some protected areas for cotton-top tamarins and other native Colombian wildlife (Parque Nacional Natural Paramillo, Santuarío de Fauna y Flora Los Colorados, and Reserva Forestal de Montes de Maria), almost 43% of the original forested area has been lost. Given that the human population of Colombia increases annually by 1.6% [Patel, 2002], it is important to target specific areas for tamarin protection while creating mitigation strategies to compensate for economic growth. The results of this study provide valuable information to assist in the long-term development of effective conservation strategies for this endangered primate. Am. J. Primatol. 64:451–457, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groups of individual marked cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), located in La Reserva Forestal Protectora Serranía de Coraza-Montes de Marí in Colosó Colombia, were studied over a period of 5 years. Data on group composition, stability, birthing seasons, and dispersal patterns are used to examine the reproductive strategies and tactics used by males and females. Both monogamous groups and groups containing two pregnant females have been observed. All groups contained at least one adult female and male, with several groups containing several adult males and females. Both males and females dispersed to neighboring groups, and there were no sex differences in rates of emigration. Males were more likely to immigrate into a new group following the death/emigration of a resident male. Females appeared to tolerate immigrating females but would actively defend their breeding position during fertile periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present reliable field techniques for capturing, anesthetizing, and identifying individual cotton-top tamarine (saguinus oedipus oedipus). A new technique is presented for radio-tracking small bodied primates. A backpack-style harness was designed to carry a transmitter. This system appears effective in minimizing potential injury and does not appear to interfere with the normal behavior of the animal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]