Emperor tamarin

Language English

Onglets

Description

Distinguishing features

These little monkeys are easily recognizable by their long white whiskers. Their fur is mainly gray with highlights of gold, and they sport a reddish tail. These tamarins measure about 25 cm in length, not including the tail, which reaches 40 cm.

Reproduction

Emperor tamarins live in groups where only the dominant female reproduces. She releases pheromones that inhibit ovulation in other females.

After a gestation period of 140 to 145 days, the female usually gives birth to two offspring. Males play a crucial role by carrying and protecting the young, handing them over to the female only for nursing. This parental cooperation is essential for the survival of young tamarins.

The young begin to explore and eat solid food at around 2 to 3 months old. They become independent at approximately 5 to 6 months of age.

Diet

Emperor tamarins are omnivores. Their diet primarily consists of fruits, insects, sap, and nectar. They capture insects on leaves and branches, and they also consume small vertebrates such as lizards and tree frogs.

Emperor tamarins are considered seed dispersers, as they spread numerous seeds while moving through their habitat. Tamarins ingest them when eating fruit, and the seeds are later expelled in their feces.

Predators

The main predators of emperor tamarins are birds of prey and snakes.

To better detect danger, they often form mixed-species groups of tamarins. This allows them to protect each other without significant competition for food, as their diets are compatible.

Habitat

Emperor tamarins are native to the tropical forests of the southwestern Amazon Basin in South America. Their range extends across eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, and western Brazil. They are primarily found in the forest canopy.

Ecology, behaviour

Emperor tamarins are diurnal and arboreal, moving nimbly through the trees.

They live in groups of 2 to 15 individuals, where cooperation and mutual grooming are common.

Associating with another species of tamarin

A group of emperor tamarins may also engage in a mutualistic association with the saddleback tamarin (Saguinus fuscicollis), that it encounters on its range. The two species form stable mixed groups, foraging, resting, and moving together for much of the year.

This association enhances predator detection and foraging success. However, this cooperation often benefits emperor tamarins the most, as they are socially dominant at feeding sites.

French name

Tamarin empereur

Scientific name

Saguinus emperator

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Primates

Family

Callitrichidae

Size

23–26 cm (body), 35–41 cm (tail)

Weight

450 g

Life span

In the wild: 10 to 15 years In captivity: Up to 20 years

Status

Least concern

At the Biodôme

A mature female and male can be found in the secondary forest area of the tropical rainforest, located to the right, past the bat cave. The female has already contributed to maintaining the genetic diversity of the species by producing multiple offspring.

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