The emperor tamarin (Saguinus Imperator), known for its unmistakable white moustache reminiscent of that of the German Emperor Wilhelm II, It is much more than an exotic species: it is a symbol of the rich biodiversity that inhabits the tropical forests of South America and the importance of conserving it in the face of the threats it faces.
Less than 30 centimetres long and weighing rarely more than 500 grams, lives in the forests of Brazil, Peru and Bolivia, where it lives in family groups of up to 15 individualsHis name, which combines scientific Latin with a historical touch, was given to him in a humorous tone due to his supposed resemblance to the aforementioned German emperor. However, this physical feature has a biological purpose: long whiskers could be a mechanism of social identification within their group, marking hierarchies and promoting cohesion.
A group of this fascinating species can be seen in the reproduction of the Central and South American jungles that BIOPARC Fuengirola has recently opened. Among lush vegetation, freshwater rivers and the recreation of the Mayan pyramid of Muyil, this group of marmosets coexists with almost twenty other jungle species in a space more than 14 metres high, where visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the interior of the South American jungle.
A symbol of wisdom and good fortune
Although its appearance may seem funny, in some local cultures it is considered a symbol of wisdom and good fortune. The inhabitants of the areas where it lives often tell stories that associate it with the protection of forests and the regeneration of fruits. However, these legends contrast with the harsh reality that the species faces. Massive deforestation and the fragmentation of its habitat, due to intensive agriculture and livestock farming, are drastically reducing the spaces where it can live. In addition, the illegal trade of exotic species remains a constant danger. For this reason, the emperor tamarin is listed as an endangered species and its protection is a priority in international conservation efforts.
One of the most fascinating curiosities about the emperor tamarin is its parenting behaviour. Males and other members of the group are responsible for carrying the babies for the first few months, leaving the mothers to deal only with nursing. This cooperative approach is an example of the complex social dynamics that characterise emperor tamarins. They are also expert jumpers, able to move between the treetops with leaps of up to 5 metres, making them true forest acrobats.
A unique vocalization: high-pitched trills, rapid squeaks, and soft grunts, each with a unique meaning in its social context
This primate species, native to the rainforests of South America, uses an advanced system of vocalizations that plays a crucial role in its social life and survival.
Emperor tamarins produce a wide range of sounds to convey specific messages, such as warnings of potential predators, calls to maintain group cohesion, or signals related to foraging. These vocalizations include high-pitched trills, rapid chirps, and soft grunts, each with a unique meaning in its social context.
A fascinating example is their ability to adjust the pitch and duration of sounds depending on the distance at which their companions are located, demonstrating a high level of intelligence and adaptability.The young, for their part, learn to vocalize by imitating the adults, which strengthens the bonds within the family and ensures the transmission of this “language” between generations.
Conservation centres such as BIOPARC Fuengirola, committed to protecting biodiversity, play a crucial role in the survival of the emperor tamarin. Through European captive breeding programmes and environmental education, they seek to guarantee the future of this charismatic species and raise awareness of the challenges facing tropical forests, home to one of the greatest biological diversities on the planet. Conserving the emperor tamarin is not just a matter of protecting a small primate with an iconic moustache, but of preserving the cultural, historical and natural wealth it represents, demonstrating that biodiversity and human legacy are intrinsically intertwined.
