Saguinus geoffroyi (Pucheran, 1845)

Taxonomy and Classification

Geoffroy's tamarin, with the scientific name Saguinus geoffroyi (Pucheran, 1845), is a small New World monkey that shares key traits with other callitrichids (tamarins and marmosets).

Body Length

Excluding its tail, it measures between 225 and 240 millimeters (8.9 and 9.4 inches) long, making it the smallest monkey native to Central America.

Tail Length

Its tail ranges from 314 to 386 millimeters (12.4 to 15.2 inches) in length.

Weight

On average, males weigh 486 grams (17.1 oz), while females are slightly larger, with an average weight of 507 grams (17.9 oz).

Fur Coloration (Body)

Its back fur is a variegated mix of black and yellow, and its legs, feet, and chest are pale.

Fur Coloration (Head)

Its face is nearly hairless, but its head has reddish fur with a triangle-shaped patch on the front of the head.

Tail Coloration

Its tail is chestnut-red with a black tip.

Habitat Types

This species occupies multiple forest types, including primary forest, secondary forest, dry tropical forest, and moist tropical forest.

Habitat Preference in Panama

In Panama, it prefers moderately humid secondary forests.

Range in Panama (Main Distribution)

Its range in Panama covers central and eastern parts of the country, extending slightly west of the Panama Canal zone, and individuals have been observed as far west as Altos de Campana National Park.

Range in Panama (Coastal Differences)

It is less common on Panama's Atlantic coast than on the Pacific coast, and it is only abundant on the Atlantic coast in human-modified areas near the Canal zone.

Panama Occurrence (Urban Habitat)

It also lives in Metropolitan Natural Park, an urban park located within Panama City.

Range in Colombia (Main Distribution)

In Colombia, Geoffroy's tamarin occurs on the Pacific coast west of the Andes, extending south to the Rio San Juan.

Range in Colombia (Eastern Boundary)

Its range's eastern boundary in Colombia was originally thought to be the Rio Atrato, but the species has since been recorded further east, including in Las Orquídeas National Natural Park.

Historical Distribution Notes

Older sources sometimes list this species as occurring in southern Costa Rica, but these records are most likely incorrect.

Birthing Season

Geoffroy's tamarin can give birth at any time of year, but its birthing season peaks between April and June.

Litter Size

Births can be of a single infant or twins, though one twin often dies within the first few months of life.

Gestation Period

The gestation period is thought to be around 145 days, which is similar to that of the cottontop tamarin.

Interbirth Period

The time between successive births ranges from 154 to 540 days, with an average of 311 days; longer interbirth periods occur after twins are born.

Newborn Characteristics

Infants weigh between 40 and 50 grams (1.4 and 1.8 oz) and are born fully furred.

Infant Fur Coloration

Infant fur differs in color from adult fur: infants have black fur on their body and tail, with a beige facial blaze and a white face.

Infant Coloration Function

This distinct infant coloration reduces the visibility of white, a color linked to aggressive displays in the species.

Mating System

Geoffroy's tamarin practices both polyandrous and polygynous mating, and males contribute significantly to parental care.

Reproductive Dynamics in Groups

Typically, only one adult female in a social group is reproductively active, and reproductively active females will mate with multiple males when given the opportunity.

Parental Care Roles

Males carry and groom infants more often than females do.

Alloparental Care

Older siblings may also help care for infants, though infants prefer being carried by their parents over their siblings.

Infant Development (Early Stages)

Infants become mobile at 2 to 5 weeks old, and start eating solid food at 4 to 7 weeks old.

Infant Development (Weaning and Independence)

They become independent at 10 to 18 weeks old, and are fully weaned between 15 and 25 weeks old.

Maturity and Lifespan

Geoffroy's tamarin reaches sexual maturity around 2 years of age, and can live up to 13 years.