Emperor Tamarin Natural History
Size
The body and head length of these animals is around 25cm with a further 35cm added by their tail. It is a fairly small primate only weighing 300g – 400g.
Habitat and Distribution
This primate can be found in Peru, Bolivia and Brazil, where it lives in tropical rainforests, high in the canopy.
Age
On average these animals can expect to live for 15 to 20 years.
Diet
A variety of fruits, flowers and nectars make up the majority of their diet but they will also feed on insects and gum and sap.
Groups and Breeding
Social creatures by nature, they live in groups of around 8 individuals, with these groups being female dominated. Generally only the dominant female will breed, giving birth to 1 or 2 babies after a gestation period of 145 days.
Threats
Currently this species is considered to be fairly safe from extinction (being classified as Least Concern by the IUCN), however due to massive deforestation in its natural habitat it is inevitable that the concerns about this species becoming endangered in the wild will grow, as the forests shrink.
Interesting Facts
It is not uncommon for this species to live in groups with Brown Mantled Tamarins, with both species benefitting from the increased number of eyes keeping a look out for potential danger.
The Emperor Tamarin During Your Day Out in Kent
Edgar, the Emperor tamarin at Wingham Wildlife Park can be seen in the ‘small primate’ enclosures opposite the lemurs which he shares with pygmy marmosets, Sol, Cruz, Nico, Lopez and Carlos. Adjacent enclosures are also home to other adorable small monkeys including our common marmosets, cotton topped tamarins, goeldi’s monkeys and red handed tamarins.
The more you know…
Want to know more about this animal? Check out our keeper blogs about them here.