Tamarins: Agile Movers of the Rainforest

Tamarins, small primates native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, exhibit localized seasonal movements rather than long-distance migrations. These movements are driven by changes in fruit availability, their primary food source. As fruiting trees vary seasonally across the forest, tamarin groups shift their range to access fresh resources.

Golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia), for example, have been observed moving between forest fragments in search of food and suitable nesting sites. This behavior helps maintain the health of forest ecosystems, as tamarins act as seed dispersers, ensuring the growth of new plants. Efforts to connect fragmented habitats through forest corridors are vital for supporting the natural movements of these endangered primates.