Tamarins

Tamarins are squirrel-sized New World monkeys. They are closely related to the lion tamarins. They range from southern Central America to central South America. They are found in the Amazon basin and north Bolivia but not in mountainous regions. They live primarily in tropical rainforests and forest areas. They are diurnal and arboreal.

Tamarin species vary quite a bit specie to specie, ranging from nearly all black in color to mixtures of black, brown and white. Many of them also have mustache-esque facial hairs. Their length ranges from 5 inches to 12 inches (not including their tail), and they weigh 7.8 to 31.7 ounces. In captivity, tamarins have been recorded as living for up to 18 years.

Tamarins live together in groups of up to 40 members. More often though the groups are composed of just three to nine members. Tamarins are omnivores, which means they eat fruits, plants, spiders, insects, small vertebrates and bird eggs. They are also known to be monogamous.

About the Author
Jacob Maddox manages content for Wildlife Animals http://www.wildlife-animals.com an educational wildlife and animal website. Jacob also guest writes for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net