9225114 Savage The cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus oedipus) is one of the most endangered primates in Colombia today, with a wild population of less than 2,500 individuals. Efforts to conserve this species have focused on understanding the natural reproductive biology and applying much of this information to hands-on education programs in local villages. In collaboration with scientists from Colombia's flora and fauna protection agency (INDERENA), Drs. Savage and Snowdon are conducting the first long-term interdisciplinary field study of this species. Their research integrates reproductive biology, social behavior, infant development, genetic diversity, feeding ecology, and patterns of migration of this highly endangered primate in its native habitat of northern Colombia. Results from the research are being used to assist in the long-term management of the species both in the wild and in captivity, and have assisted in the development of a scientifically sound conservation program for the species.
