A Devastating Population Drop: Save the Cotton-Tops! and a prominent white mane, the cotton-top tamarin, scientifically known as the Saguinus

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1 Residing only among the lush green forests in northwestern Colombia dwells one of the smallest primates in the world. Characterized by a fluffy brown and gray coat, large dark eyes, and a prominent white mane, the cotton-top tamarin, scientifically known as the Saguinus Oedipus, inhabits humid and dry tropical forests, spending most of its life up in the trees. But despite its conspicuous white mane, this tamarin species is quite difficult to locate, as there are only about 6,000 cotton-top tamarins left in the wild. They are very sociable creatures and live in a territory with a troop ranging from two to fourteen members. However, they have a very limited distribution, and their population continues to grow smaller along with their territory. In the past, the decline of the cotton-top tamarins had been partially caused by massive exports of tamarins to the U.S. They were used for biomedical research and served as models for deeper studies on colonic adenocarcinoma, a type of colon cancer. Following the immense exportation, in 1973, cotton-top tamarins were declared endangered. Additionally, being the smallest primates, the cotton-tops also have numerous predators, such as wild dogs, cats, snakes, and birds of prey, which only help to reduce the already weakening population. Despite the multiple predators and previous use of cotton-top tamarins for biomedical research, these factors are not even the most threatening causes to their endangerment. Deforestation continues to thrive as a damaging force throughout Colombia, decreasing the survival rates of thousands of species. Between 1990 and 2000, 101,000 hectares of forest had been lost every year in that time. While changes are trying to be made, the rates of forest loss have still continued to increase from there. Cotton-top tamarins are sensitive to any alterations in their environment, and they have been heavily impacted by this deforestation, having lost 75% of 1

2 their habitat, as well as 80% of their population. Along with deforestation, flooding from hydroelectric projects has contributed to more forest loss. The cotton-top tamarin had been declared critically endangered in Most people have not heard or even known about cotton-top tamarins, so what is so important about them that should make people concerned? These primates play a significant role as seed-dispersing agents in the rainforest. Their diet consists mainly of fruit, and the seeds are left in their feces. The germination success rate of seeds from the feces is 70%, helping maintain life and vegetation in the rainforest. Unfortunately, deforestation has wiped out a majority of the cotton-top tamarins and is driven by numerous factors. The main causes of deforestation in Colombia include the expansion of agriculture and livestock, illegal crops, such as cocaine, the settlement and displacement of populations, the building of infrastructure relating to energy and roads, illegal mining, logging, and cattle ranching, and wildfires. In 2016, the Colombian government signed a peace treaty with The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, ending the conflict that had lasted for 52 years. During the period of conflict, FARC played a role in overseeing the forests and controlling deforestation. Since FARC disbanded, logging rates have increased. Also, the government had left the forests unattended for a while, so many people had gone to the forests to log. Furthermore, the impact from the prolonged war left millions displaced. Many people who were displaced now live in poverty, often turning to the forests for the same natural resources that the cotton-top tamarins also happen to need. In addition to the various factors impacting the cotton-top s population, illegal pet trade proves to be an issue, too. Having a cotton-top tamarin as a pet is illegal, but the law has been 2

3 rarely enforced. Over 200 cotton-tops have been confiscated as pets, and possibly even more, due to underreporting and illegal trade. Capturing a cotton-top tamarin affects its entire family, as hunters are likely to kill the parents in order to catch the baby tamarin. Many people are intrigued by the idea of having a unique, exotic pet, and the demand for such pets continues to grow. Since the 1990s, the numbers of trading wild and captive-bred exotic pets has increased. Cotton-tops also have a cute appearance about them, especially because of their furry coats, wide eyes and long tails. These traits can easily attract more buyers. The problem with illegal pet trade is that not only are the captive animals negatively impacted, but also that the owners could potentially get hurt as well. It is estimated that 90% of wild animals kept as pets die within two years of captivity. If placed under stressful conditions, the primate will typically begin to show signs of aggressiveness, form a nervous habit, self-harm, or pace and scream in its cage, leading to the owner potentially obtaining injuries from the upset primate. Unfortunately, there are no federal laws in the U.S banning primate or exotic animal ownership. Some of the largest importers of live primates are the United States, China, and Japan. In order to combat these issues, an organization called Proyecto Titi has developed long-term conservation programs in an effort to preserve cotton-top tamarins. One of the organization s goals was to work with the communities living close to the species and ecosystems of the cotton-top tamarin. They created income generating projects that also supported the protection of the environment. Projects included crocheting Eco-mochilas, or bags, for income, using clay stoves that required less firewood, taking organic waste from farms for creating charcoal, and recycling plastic waste to create fence posts. As a result of the efforts to 3

4 help maintain the cotton-tops ecosystem, the villagers involved in these projects have benefited as well, having better standards of living. Likewise, anyone else can take similar actions to help preserve the forests. For example, recycling and using recycled products helps lower the demand for timber, as well as decrease the amount of waste being dumped in landfills. Additionally, decreasing the wasteful usage of paper and recycling paper is also beneficial to battling deforestation. Getting involved and donating to programs and organizations, such as the Arbor Day Foundation, Rainforest Action Network, and Proyecto Titi, will not only help cotton-tops, but will also help reduce the impact of deforestation on people and countless other species. Hundreds and thousands of wildlife are illegally hunted, traded, and sold each year. By raising awareness of illegal wildlife trade, people will not only be able to help the cotton-top population, but thousands of other species as well. Helping out can be simple. Just by asking pet stores where they get their animals and making sure they do not come from the wild can make a difference. Informing the public about illegal pet trade and discouraging people to buy certain wildlife products can also help to reduce the demand for it. If everyone does their part, together the little differences can produce a huge impact. Although most people think that they will never experience any sightings of wildlife crimes, it is good to remember that if people do happen to see someone participating in these illicit actions, they should report it to the police immediately. There is a list of what and what not to do while reporting wildlife crimes on the Act for Wildlife website, which helps ensure the safety of the reporter. People can contribute by donating to organizations, such as Wildlife Alliance, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Wildlife Conservation Network, and as mentioned before, Proyecto Titi, as it is the only organization directed in helping mainly cotton-top tamarins. However, donating 4

5 to the other mentioned organizations as well can play a part in preventing further wildlife crimes. Another simple act people can do to raise awareness is to share videos, articles, and petitions concerning cotton-top tamarins, deforestation, and wildlife crimes on social media platforms. Perhaps some may be wondering, Why cotton-top tamarins? Why not write to support the Asian elephant or the red panda? To be honest, I wanted to raise more awareness for an uncommon animal, one whose name is not very well known. For an animal that has played an important part in the ecosystem s vegetation and has helped impact people s lives, such as the villagers mentioned in Proyecto Titi s project, I think the cotton-top tamarin deserves to be better known among the public, and to someday make it off the critically endangered animals list. To help contribute to the cause, I try not to be wasteful with resources, and I encourage others and give simple advice on how to be more environmental-friendly in their everyday life. In truth, there is only so much people can do to support and raise awareness for cotton-top tamarins, including wildlife in general, but doing something small is better than standing by and doing nothing at all. I believe the small things put together can make a huge difference. 5

6 Works Cited About Cotton-top Tamarins. Proyecto Titi Web. 15 February A Place for Cotton-Tops: Using Satellite Data to Identify Critical Habitat. Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube. 18 August Web. 10 March 2018 Colombia s biodiversity under threat by deforestation reports Humboldt Institute. the city paper. 12 July Web. 10 March Cottontop Tamarin. a-z animals. 9 January Web. 15 February Cotton-top Tamarin. Wildlife Conservation Network Web. 8 April Cotton-top Tamarin: A Rainforest Cutie in Trouble. annamiticus.com. 15 June Web. 15 February Deforestation may soar now Colombian civil war is over. New Scientist. 2 August Web. 10 March Deforestation soars in Colombia after Farc rebel s demobilization. The Guardian. 11 July Web. 10 March Direct Protection to Forests and Wildlife. Wildlife Alliance Web. 8 April Field Research. Proyecto Titi Web. 15 February Forest Governance- Colombia. Global Forest Atlas Web. 10 March Illegal Wildlife Trade. WWF Web. 8 April Inside the exotic pet trade. Primarily Primates Web. 10 March

7 Proyecto Titi, Conserving Colombia s Cotton-Top Tamarin on Vimeo. Vimeo. Federico Pardo. Tropico Media Rainforest Action Network. Rainforest Action Network Web. 8 April REPORT IT. Act for Wildlife Web. 8 April Statistics for Colombia. the REDD desk. July Web. 10 March Take Action: you can make a difference in the world by planting and caring for trees. Arbor Day Foundation Web. 8 April The Cotton-Top Tamarin fights for survival. CNN Web. 10 March Trade threat to primates. Traffic. 21 February Web. 10 March Why Cotton-Top Tamarins Need Our Help. Proyecto Titi Web. 15 February