Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Callitrichidae
- Genus
- Saguinus
- Species
- Saguinus nigricollis
Habitat
This species inhabits the tropical rainforests of the Amazon basin in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. They prefer primary and secondary forests, as well as riverine areas with dense vegetation. They are primarily arboreal, living in the canopy and understory layers.
Diet
Spix's black-mantled tamarin feeds mainly on fruits, insects, and tree sap, which they extract using their sharp teeth. They also consume small vertebrates like lizards and frogs. Feeding activity peaks in the early morning and late afternoon when they forage in groups.
Behavior
These tamarins live in small family groups of 2-15 individuals, typically led by a dominant female, and they communicate with vocalizations and scent marking. They are diurnal and highly arboreal, spending most of their time leaping between trees and grooming each other. They exhibit territorial behavior, defending their home ranges through vocal displays and chases.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies Spix's black-mantled tamarin as Least Concern, though populations are decreasing due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture.