Golden-Handed Tamarin

Golden-Handed Tamarin Facts

• The stunning Golden-Handed Tamarin, also known as the Midas Tamarin, remains a truly astonishing species. Of further interest to many, this spellbinding creature also classifies as a variety of New World Monkey. Presently, only five recognized families fall into this category.
• Quite fortunately, its population numbers appear to be sufficient and stable, at least for the moment. This truly pleasant surprise occurs despite its having only a moderate and restricted habitat range. Due to these factors, the IUCN classifies it as Least Concern.
• Rather interestingly, the remarkable primate also appears to be expanding its territorial range. Unfortunately, however, that new range overlaps into that of another variety of tamarin. Evidence indicates that the Golden-Handed Tamarin is slowly displacing the other species.

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Golden-Handed Tamarin Physical Description

The Golden-Handed Tamarin stands out as a fascinating creature. But nevertheless, it remains a physically diminutive primate. Mature adults only 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. In addition, 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 short fur of the mammal displays primarily black or dark brown. The face appears quite dark, and entirely hairless.

However, the feet and hands remain its most memorable and distinctive physical feature. These usually 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

First of all, the marvelous Golden-Handed Tamarin inhabits highly specific portions of only 5 countries in South America. This limited area includes Guyana, Brazil, Suriname, French Guiana, and Venezuela.

Yet even more specifically, within that range, it only inhabits wooded areas north of the Amazon River. The creature also spends virtually all of its time in the canopy. Therein, it also apparently prefers trees with small crowns.

Most notably, however, it typically lives in small groups. These groups usually consist of no more than 4 to 15 individuals. Rather surprisingly, little competition exist within the group, even among breeding males.

But, its impressiveness does not stop there. This species also displays truly extreme durability. Individuals often leap to the group from heights of as much as 60 ft (18 m), managing to land without suffering injury.

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

Species Sharing Its Range

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