Nicknamed the cutest monkeys in South America, cotton-top tamarins are among the most endangered primates in the world. The communities who live near the cotton-tops’ forest home don’t know that they are endangered. The tiny cotton-top, which weighs less than a pound, is named for the shock of white hair that sits atop its head.
Cotton-top tamarins are among the most endangered primates in the world and entertain researchers with their endless antics.
Found only in northwestern Colombia, and their tropical forest habitat is being destroyed for cattle ranching, agriculture, and urban development. Cotton-tops are also captured and illegally sold as pets.
Many Colombians who live near the cotton-tops’ forest home do not know that these monkeys—known locally as “titís”—are endangered. Proyecto Tití (PT) aims to change this by providing information about the cotton-top alongside employment opportunities that enable locals to protect the forest and its monkeys.
Protect Cotton Top Tamarins
With WCN’s 100% model, your entire gift supports the conservationists working to protect cotton tops and their habitat.
Cotton-Top Tamarin:
Proyecto Tití
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16,000+
Tree Saplings Planted
Of native species in 2025 to restore 40+ hectares of land, and bring back the forest for cotton-top tamarins, native wildlife, and the welfare of local communities.
2,400+
Children and Students
Received education outreach in 2025 across Proyecto Tití’s three conservation impact areas, discouraging the harassment, hunting, selling, or keeping of cotton-top tamarins as pets. Evaluation results illustrate a significant improvement in attitudes of rejection to the illegal pet trade of cotton-top tamarins.
83%
Survival Rate
Of tree saplings planted growing for at least one year or more. Proyecto Tití’s team lovingly cares for the plants, from seeds to saplings, and takes great pride in planting them to create a future forest for cotton-top tamarins!
Solutions in Action
Thriving Nature & Wildlife
Leaders in Field Research
Proyecto Tití has studied wild cotton-top tamarins in Colombia for more than 30 years, the longest running field study of the species. Studying such a tiny monkey is no easy task given how easily they can hide in the dense forest vegetation. Their research provides valuable insights into the complex social organization of cotton-tops.
Thriving People
Artisans & Eco-mochilas
Proyecto Tití supports female artisan cooperatives living near cotton-top habitat to produce plush cotton-top tamarin toys and “eco-mochilas,” traditional tote bags used that are crocheted from recycled plastic bags. Women who previously had little to no work now make a steady income while removing thousands of plastic bags from local forests and streams.
Supporting Conservationists
Conservation Agreements with Farmers
Proyecto Tití provides local farmers with seeds, tools, supplies, and training in agricultural practices, all in exchange for signing a conservation agreement that designates portions of their property as habitat for cotton-top tamarins. These corridors of privately-owned forest connect to a larger reserve, acting as a win-win for farmers and wildlife.
Quote“All of the deforestation that has been going on in Colombia for the last few decades has made the cotton-tops and the dry tropical forest of northern Colombia critically endangered.”
Rosamira Guillen, Executive Director Proyecto Tití
