Golden-Handed Tamarin

Golden-Handed Tamarin Facts

• The Golden-Handed Tamarin, also known as the Midas Tamarin, is an astonishing species. Of further interest, this spellbinding creature classifies as a variety of New World monkey.
• Quite fortunately, despite having only a moderate and restricted habitat range, its numbers appear to be sufficient and stable. Due to these factors, the IUCN classifies it as Least Concern.
• Interestingly, the remarkable primate appears to be expanding its range into that of another variety of tamarin. Evidence indicates that it is slowly displacing the other species.

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Golden-Handed Tamarin Physical Description

The Golden-Handed Tamarin is a fascinating creature, yet nevertheless remains a physically diminutive primate. Mature adults reach an average body length of about 8 – 11 in (20 – 28 cm).

Further, the remarkable tail adds another 12 – 17 in (31 – 44 cm) to the overall length of the animal. It also remains a lightweight species, rarely exceeding a weight of 1.2 lb (0.54 kg).

Its dark face develops hairless, while its large ears protrude from the fur.  In addition, the fur displays primarily black or dark brown. The face is quite dark, and entirely hairless.

However, the feet and hands are its most memorable and distinctive physical feature. These display a reddish-orange to gold color, hence the alternate common name of Midas Tamarin.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Primates
• Family: Callitrichidae
• Genus: Saguinus
• Species: S. midas

Golden-Handed Tamarin Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The marvelous Golden-Handed Tamarin inhabits specific portions of 5 countries in South America. This includes Guyana, Brazil, Suriname, French Guiana, and Venezuela.

Within that range, however, it only inhabits wooded areas north of the Amazon River. Spending virtually all of its time in the canopy, it also prefers trees with small crowns.

Most notably, it typically lives in small groups, usually including 4 to 15 individuals. Rather surprisingly, little competition exist within the group, even among breeding males.

This species also displays extreme durability. Individuals often leap to the group from heights of as much as 60 ft (18 m), and land without injury.

Finally, the animal remains extremely territorial, males and females alike. It can be quite aggressive, and even dangerous, despite its small size, due to its sharp claws and canine teeth.

Species Sharing Its Range

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