EMPEROR TAMARIN

(Saguinus imperator)

Emperor tamarins are characterized by the presence of a long moustache. The name "emperor" is related to this moustache. When emperor tamarins were first discovered at the begining of this century, their long moustaches were believed to resemble the moustache of a German Emperor from the 19th century. Emperor tamarins may also display a beard. Bearded emperor tamarins are known scientifically as Saguinus imperator subgrisescens. Emperor tamarins without a beard are called Saguinus imperator imperator. This latter type of emperor tamarin is endangered mainly due to the destruction of its environment by deforestation. Unfortunately, they are also kept in captivity as pets under poor conditions. Even when people try to be nice, captivity is never as good for a wild animal as its home forest.

Habitat: Emperor tamarins live in tropical forests of Brazil (States of Acre and Amazonas), Peru, and Bolivia.

Cooperative Troops: They live in family groups of 3 to 8 individuals. Emperor tamarins usually form mixed troops with another kind of monkey, the saddleback tamarin. In these troops, the tamarins help each other by improving their ability to detect predators. While emperors seem to be better at detecting aerial predators, saddlebacks are better at looking for terrestrial ones.

Although emperor and saddleback tamarins seem to live in apparent harmony, emperor tamarins are dominant. They may dislodge saddleback tamarins from feeding sources.

Diet: Emperor tamarins feed on fruits, insects, flowers, and nectar. They are seed dispersers of some plant species. Their survival is very important for the health of the forests where they live.

IUCN Status: Endangered

Ask Claudio and Suzana Padua about tamarins.

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