Emperor tamarin

The emperor tamarin (Saguinus imperator) is a small primate native to South America. It lives mainly in the tropical rainforests of the Amazon basin, where it evolves in the low and middle stages of vegetation. His slim figure and especially his long curved white mustache make him one of the most recognizable monkeys in the world.

The species is classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN. It remains relatively widespread in its range, even if some populations are weakened by deforestation and forest fragmentation. Like other small arboreal primates, such as the white nasturtium Or the Monkey harlefish, the emperor tamarin depends heavily on the continuity of forest environments.

This primate measures about 23 to 26 cm, not including the tail, which can exceed 40 cm. This long tail is not prehensile but plays an essential role in balance during rapid movements between branches. Very agile, the emperor tamarin moves in successive leaps and rarely stays still.

Omnivorous, it feeds on fruits, insects, insects, nectar, flowers and sometimes small vertebrates. This varied diet allows it to adapt to available resources and contributes to seed dispersal, thus contributing to the dynamics of the tropical forest.

At the Martinique Zoo, the emperor tamarin makes it possible to approach the diversity of South American primates and the adaptation strategies of small species in the face of a complex environment.