Emperor tamarins are amazing monkeys. This species of toy monkeys is famous not only for its gorgeous white whiskers spreading in different directions, but also for its atypical social hierarchy in the flock. The oldest and most experienced female is the leader of the pack, younger females follow, but males stand on the very last rung and fulfill the role of feeders and baby carriers.

The impassable tropical forests of South America are home to these mischievous creatures. In particular, their habitat affects the northwestern part of Brazil, eastern Peru and northern Bolivia. They live exclusively in trees and try to avoid open areas.

Due to their diminutive size – their body length is about 25 centimeters – they can easily climb from branch to branch and can climb to the very tops of trees, where they can find many tasty insects and fruits. Naturally, they do not weigh much either: the body weight of an adult is 250-300 grams. However, their tail is not small and often exceeds the body length of its owner.

As for the color and wool, there is nothing remarkable except …. gorgeous long white whiskers and beard. It is thanks to them that this species of toy monkeys got its imperial name. The taxidermists were prompted to make such a comparison by harmless games with these monkeys. They twisted their whiskers up with the tips of their fingers, which resembled the whiskers of German Emperor Wilhelm II. It was not too long ago – just over a century ago, in 1907, when this species was discovered.

The wool covering the body has an unremarkable monochrome brown or dark coloration. On the head is not only a chic mustache, but also a small semblance of a “crown” (not for nothing imperial called). Unlike other primates, the tamarins do not have nails but sharp and long claws that help them cling to branches.

Like all small monkeys, these “emperors of the animal world” feed on fruits, various plants, young shoots, buds and flowers. But in addition to plant food their diet also includes protein foods – small insects, lizards, frogs. Even bird eggs found at the tops of trees are not squeamish.

Emperor tamarins live in small flocks of no more than ten individuals. Each group has a certain area (about 30-40 hectares) whose borders are well protected. Strangers who invade their territory are certainly driven away. But sometimes the owners can tolerate the intruders if they are tamarins of other species. They will fight to the last man for their territory and cubs, so these monkeys are not so safe in anger. In addition to their long and sharp claws, these monkeys can use their fangs of impressive size.

They have a strongly developed social hierarchy. The pack reigns in the matriarchy. The most experienced and oldest female is considered the leader here. On the step below are the other females, then the cubs and on the lowest rung are the males. They have quite a specific role in the pack life – getting food for the rest of the group and carrying young cubs. Therefore, there are few males in the group; no more than 2 specimens.

Periodically in the flock arranges “barber” days, when the monkeys help each other to trim the mustache. This process plays an important communicative role in the pack.

During the mating season, females may have several partners. They mate with all males of the group (if there are several of them). And the order of mating is also determined by the hierarchy. The gestation period is about a month and a half. Baby(s) are born quite tiny – weighing 35 grams – and absolutely helpless, but even they already have a white beard.

All care for the offspring falls on the shoulders of the father (fathers) of the flock. They carry them on their backs and only give the cub to the female for milking. Upon reaching the age of 3 months, the Tamarin’s calves start moving and eating on their own. At 1.5 years of age, they reach puberty and either remain in the group (most often females) or leave it (males).

The lifespan of these monkeys is about 10-15 years. That’s not a lot for such babies.

These monkeys are constantly being hunted by poachers who then send the poor critters abroad to be sold as exotic pets. Another factor contributing to their decline is the deforestation of rainforests. So far their numbers are not critical, but their conservation status is already assessed as vulnerable.