thumb|Pied tamarin in captivity
The pied tamarin (Saguinus bicolor), sometimes referred to as the Brazilian bare-faced tamarin, is a critically endangered species of primate found in a restricted area of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. It was named the mascot of Manaus, Brazil in 2005. The species is endangered due to the increasing size of the city of Manaus, which is encroaching on their native habitat.
Distribution and habitat
A New World monkey, the pied tamarin is found at the city limits of Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas state of Brazil and up to to the north and to the east. The pied tamarin is found in old-growth forests, sand forest and smaller secondary forest fragments. Their density is higher in secondary forest fragments than in primary forest. Furthermore, both male and female tamarins exhibit the same coloration: they have a black furless face with a white upper body and a lower body that can range in color from a light to dark brown.
Behavior
Diet
Pied tamarins are omnivorous; their diet consisting of gums, saps, fruit, flowers, nectar, insects, spiders, small vertebrates and bird eggs.
Group structure and reproduction
Individuals live in groups of 2 to 15 members with little intragroup competition. The average group size in the Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke is 4.8 individuals per group<!-- Do we need the (n=41)? I don't think it's relevant that we know the sample size for each study unless the sample size in one specific study is critical to the general discussion of pied tamarins. -->, and other areas around Manaus reported mean group sizes of 6.19. Generally, group sizes range from 2 to 15 individuals.
Pied tamarin groups are mixed, containing multiple males and females.
Reproduction
Like other tamarin species, the pied tamarins are polyandrous, as the dominant female mates with multiple males.
Causes of endangerment
The pied tamarins' natural predators are small cats, birds of prey, and snakes. Their habitat has been lost due to expansion of the city of Manaus. Within the Manaus area, pied tamarins are threatened by domestic and feral cats and dogs, electrocution from power lines, and the pet trade. Additionally, rural settlement and increasing livestock agriculture continue to encroach upon and degrade the pied tamarin's remaining habitat.
There is an established captive breeding program for the pied tamarin and an official studbook. As of 2009, there are 172 pied tamarins in captivity and all are registered property of the Brazilian government.
In popular culture
The pied tamarin is featured as a pet in the game Super Auto Pets.