The titis, or titi monkeys, are the New World monkeys of the genus Callicebus. They are the only extant members of the Callicebinae subfamily, which also contains the extinct genera Xenothrix, Antillothrix, Paralouatta, Carlocebus, Homunculus, Lagonimico and possibly also Tremacebus.
Titis live in South America, from Colombia to Brazil, Peru and north Paraguay.
The different titi species vary substantially in size and coloring but resemble each other in most other physical ways. The fur is long and soft and it is usually reddish, brownish or black and with a lighter underside. Some species have a bright collar or black stripes at the head. The tail is always furry and is not prehensile.
Diurnal and arboreal, titis predominantly prefer dense forests near water. They easily jump from branch to branch, earning them their German name, "jumping monkey". They sleep at night, but also take a midday nap.
Titis are territorial. They live in family groups which consist of parents and their offspring, about three to seven animals. They defend their territory by shouting and chasing off intruders. Their grooming and communication is important for the co-operation of the group. They can typically be seen in pairs sitting or sleeping.
The diet of the titis consists mainly of fruits, although they also eat leaves, insects, bird eggs and small vertebrates.
Titis are monogamous, mating for life. The female bears a single young animal after about a five-month gestation. The father cares for the young, carrying it and bringing it to the mother only for nursing. The young are weaned after 5 months and are fully grown after a year. After two to three years they leave their family group in order to find a mate. Their life expectancy is up to 12 years.
|
|
