Project Titi - Conservation of
Cotton-topped Tamarins and their forest habitat in Colombia.
Cotton-topped Tamarins are a critically endangered primate found only in the tropical forests of Colombia. Weighing about 1 pound, this tiny monkey needs our help in order to survive. Today their existence is threatened by the illegal capture for the pet trade and habitat destruction.
Projecto Tití was developed a long-term conservation program to insure the survival of this little primate. The program works to study cotton-topped tamarins in their tropical forest habitat as well as educating local communities about the need to protect the biodiversity of Colombia. But, to make conservation economically feasible for many local communities, we have developed some innovative strategies to empower local people to get involved and benefit from conservation activities. You too, can help to support the conservation of Cotton-topped Tamarins by learning more about this amazing animal and help buy a rainforest.
Project Titi works in many ways - follow the left links to find out more
Colombia's problems an overlook
Colombia is well known for being unstable and its capital Bogotá is known as the murder capital of the world. Guerrilla warfare, terrorism, kidnappings, murder, abductions all make it a very unstable environment in which to develop any kind of project.
Drug Cultivation (& emerald wars): 73%, up to 100,000 acres every year of the Andes has been lost because of migration and drug cultivation/% of Colombia’s land is owned by just 3% of the elite.
Poverty, inequality & unemployment: 71% of Colombia’s land is owned by just 3% of the elite. The top 20% of the population earn up to 6 or 7 times more than the bottom 20%. At least 19% of the population live below subsistence level.
Wildlife trade: An estimated 350 million live animals are traded around the world every year and Colombia is a leading participator. 90% of the animals will die before leaving the country. Out of every 100 birds smuggled just one will survive.
Habitat Loss - Dams: The Urra I Dam flooded more than 7,000 hectares of primary and secondary forest within Parramillo National Park – One of the last sanctuaries for Tamarins. Urra II, which is nearly ready, will flood an additional 47,000 hectares. (181 square miles—an area the size of Andorra)
Habitat Loss - Deforestation: Species regardless of size need large areas of forests to survive: Among the top 10 for deforestation over the last three decades Colombia has lost more than 30% of its natural forest with between 1.5 –2.2 million acres being destroyed every year. Only 27% of Cloud forest remains. 98% of Tropical dry forest has been lost. Much of it for agriculture, housing and cattle rising.
Economy: Colombian economy is based upon the export of oil, flowers, coffee, and bananas – all primary products that cause deforestation.
How can you help conserve Cotton-topped Tamarins and their habitat?
Buy an area of forest just 50p per square meter.
