Black tamarin

Schwarzhandtamarin ( Saguinus niger)

The Schwarzhandtamarin ( Saguinus niger) is a primate of the species of tamarins, to the family of marmosets ( Callitrichidae ) is counted. It is closely related to the red-handed, and is sometimes regarded as the subspecies.

Features

Schwarzhandtamarine reach a body length 23-25 ​​centimeters, what still comes around a 32 to 44 centimeters long tail. It weighs around 450 grams. Their fur is dark, usually black in color. In contrast to the red-handed and the paws are dark brown or black. As with all marmosets are located on the fingers and toes (except the big toe ) claws instead of nails. The dark face is hairless, large ears protrude from the skin.

Distribution and habitat

Schwarzhandtamarine are south of the Amazon between the major rivers Rio Xingu and Rio Tocantins located in the northeast of Brazil. Habitat of this type forests, often lined with dense undergrowth secondary forests.

Way of life

Like all tamarins are diurnal and arboreal, which move on all fours or jumping. They usually spend their time in the lower tree layers and climb rarely more than 10 meters high. They live in groups of two to eight animals that are organized around with intact pair. The area of around 35 hectares is defended against conspecifics. The food of these animals consists mainly of fruits, next they will also take insects and tree sap to himself. As with all tamarins are likely twin births predominantly and mainly take care of the fathers to the offspring.

Endangering

The distribution of Schwarzhandtamarine is one of the fastest-growing economic regions of Brazil, many forest areas are in correspondingly large extent there cleared and so destroyed the habitat of these animals. The IUCN estimates that the total population has declined over the last 18 years by more than 30 % and lists the species as "endangered" ( vulnerable ).