Oedipomidas oedipus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Cotton-top Tamarin faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its restricted range in northwestern Colombia. Illegal capture for the international pet trade historically decimated populations, with an estimated 20,000-40,000 individuals exported between 1960-1975. Agricultural expansion, cattle ranching, and urban development continue to destroy the dry tropical forests essential for the species' survival, leaving only small, isolated forest patches.
Habitat
Cotton-top Tamarins inhabit dry tropical forests and secondary growth forests in northwestern Colombia, particularly favoring the forest canopy between 10-40 meters high. They require continuous forest cover with adequate fruit trees and sleeping sites, making them highly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation.
