The golden-handed tamarin (Saguinus midas), the red-handed tamarin or Midas tamarin
Golden-handed tamarin видео
The golden-handed tamarin (Saguinus midas), also known as the red-handed tamarin or Midas tamarin, is a New World monkey belonging to the family Callitrichidae.
Habitat and appearance
Saguinus midas is common in northeastern South America, in Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname and north of the Amazon in northeastern Brazil. The main habitat of Saguinus midas is the upper level of tropical evergreen forests and dense undergrowth.
Saguinus midas can reach a length of 30 cm and weigh up to 500 g. Its tail is longer than its body, 45 cm. Males and females of Saguinus midas are similarly coloured, with a black body and face and yellowish or orange hands and feet. Claws are present on all fingers except the thumb, which has a flat nail. There are glands on the chest and near the genitalia; Saguinus midas uses its secretions to mark territory and provide information about itself.
Nutrition
This animal is omnivorous and eats spiders, insects (grasshoppers, beetles, etc.). They also eat amphibians, lizards, snakes, chicks and bird eggs. Their prey is killed by a bite to the head. From plant food, Saguinus midas eats fruit, as well as tree sap and resin, buds, leaves and nectar.
Lifestyle and reproduction
Saguinus midas are diurnal and live in small family groups of 2 to 6 (sometimes up to 15) individuals. The group consists of a dominant female, subordinate females, one or more males and offspring of different ages. Within the group, the behaviour of Saguinus midas is not aggressive. They often groom each other (mutual grooming), which reinforces group cohesion. Only the dominant female breeds in the group and can mate with all males.
Pregnancy lasts five months and always produces two offspring. These are cared for exclusively by the males, who carry the young and return them to their mothers for feeding.
At around three months of age, young Saguinus midas switch to an adult diet, and between 16 and 20 months they become independent of their parents.
