SAGUINUS LEUCOPUS
Endemic to Colombia, the White-footed Tamarin (Saguinus leucopus, known locally as the “Tití gris”) has one of the smallest ranges in the Saguinus genus. Victims of deforestation but above all the illegal pet trade, they are considered as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List.
Activities
A conservation program set up in 2005, bringing together several international partners including the Colombian Association of Zoos, professionals from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria and Colombian organizations, has set up a plan of in and ex situ action with the following aims:
- the development of a breeding program of the species in Colombian zoos,
- logistical and financial support of centres that rehabilitate the species in Colombia,
- a study of the species in its natural environment(distribution, population density, available habitat, genetics, health status…),
- education and awareness-raising within local populations to fight commercial hunting and trafficking,
- the creation of a protected area for the species.
As a result of the measures carried out, the precise distribution of the species has been ascertained and the authorities have registered a drop in tamarin trafficking. The various awareness campaigns run by the program (including the annual Tití Gris Festival in towns within the species’ range) appear to have been very successful and to have inspired increasing numbers of local people to get involved.
Today efforts are focused on maintaining and developing the regional breeding program, preserving the habitat and a campaign aimed at obtaining the creation of a protected area to conserve the species in the long-term.
Palmyre Conservation has contributed to the program financially since 2005.