Summary
http://www.csew.com/cottontop/SSP/Enghome.htm
The cohesive family group with a dominance hierarchy is adaptive for the cotton-top tamarin because they rely on the family group for survival. Specifically, the females compete highly for males because they need the assistance of the males in raising the young to reduce their energetic cost. The female goes into estrus a few weeks after she gives births which means that she is most likely to be pregnant while nursing her new-born. In addition, the young are about 20 to 30% smaller than the mother, which means that the energetic cost of raising them are high. As a result, she relies on the males to help forage for food, protect the territory and young, and to care for the young. The subordinates in the group and the siblings also "help" raise the young, forage, and protect the territory. By performing such actions they increase their inclusive and individual fitness. The selective pressures that shape the cotton-top tamarins social system are limited resources (such as their habitat and mates) and predation since they are very small animals.
The data provided by the references used in this project supports the belief that cotton-top tamarins are unique Callitrichidae because of they are one of the few monogamous non-human primate species (Savage, 1990). The cotton-top tamarin is widely used in research because it is the only "non-human primate that develops colonic adenocarcinoma" (Wallis, 1997). Also, they have impressive vocal abilities, can distinguish between colors in the visual spectrum, and can perform well in learning and memory problem (Savage, 1990). The research performed to understand the cotton-top tamarin shows that they are definitely unique and intelligent animals. As a result, it is unfortunate that they are one of the most endangered primate species.
Researchers are now using their knowledge about the socioecology of the cotton-top tamarin to aid in its conservation. There are several programs that have been developed to help the cotton-top tamarin from becoming extinict. Among the programs is "Proyecto-Titi" which is a large conservation program within Colombia. It includes many scientist, conservationists, and educators from different organizations in the U.S. and Colombia whose primary objective is to save the tamarin. In addition, public awareness campaigns and education programs have been instilled in Colombia to ensure the survival of the tamarin. Today, there are about 1,800 captive tamarins and 64% of the tamarins that are living are in research laboratories (Wallis, 1997).
