Emperor Tamarin Facts

Emperor Tamarin Facts

Saguinus imperator

Mammalia

Primates

Callitrichidae

S. imperator

10–15 years (up to 20 years in captivity)

Omnivore (fruits, flowers, insects, plant gums, small animals)

23–26 cm (9–10 inches), excluding tail

About 500 grams (18 oz)

Fast and agile climber (exact speed not recorded)

Birds of prey, snakes, large cats

Brazil, Peru, Bolivia

Tropical rainforests, lowland and montane forests

Stable (Least Concern)

About 6 months

Emperor Tamarin Facts:

  • The emperor tamarin’s scientific name is Saguinus imperator.
  • It is named after Emperor Wilhelm II because of its long white mustache.
  • Emperor tamarins are very small primates, weighing about 500 grams.
  • They live in tropical rainforests of Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia.
  • These monkeys spend most of their time high in the tree canopy.
  • Their diet includes fruits, insects, flowers, and tree sap.
  • Emperor tamarins live in small family groups led by a dominant female.
  • Males help carry and protect the babies.
  • They use loud calls to communicate with group members.
  • The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.