Saguinus imperator imperator

(Goeldi, 1907)

Vernacular names
English : Emperor tamarin
French : Tamarin empereur

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Primata
Family : Callitrichidae (now sometimes Cebidae)
Notes : 1 other subspecies known. A recent taxonomic arrangement moves this species to genus Tamarinus and splits the two subspecies. Since it has yet to be followed by most resources available, we choose to stay with the older arrangement for the time being.

Identification
Adults can reach a body length of 26 cm, tail length of 42 cm for a weight up to 550 g. Fur ins mostly grey-black, clearer on rump. Reddish-brown tail. This subspecies has entirely black head with long white moustaches and rufous belly.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in western South America, from west Brazil to east and south-east Peru, and north-east Bolivia. Lives in primary and secondary tropical forests on dry land, rarely in flooded areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is endangered by habitat loss in most of its range and hunting locally. Nominate subspecies seems safe at this time.
Ex-Situ Programs : EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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