The tropical forests are full of dangers, but there is a brighter side to the jungle. If you look closely at the lush, evergreen canopies, you might spot some of their unique inhabitants, including the agile and amusing marmoset monkeys from the tamarin genus. These monkeys usually avoid open areas, but spotting them among the branches isn’t difficult.
They possess one very distinctive feature that makes them look like wise philosophers or ancient sages—emperor tamarins have been blessed with thick white mustaches, a trait that led to their name in 1907.
It turns out that German Kaiser Wilhelm II also had a lush mustache, which he was rumored to be quite proud of. One of the researchers noticed the resemblance between the monarch and the charming little monkeys and gave the animals their “imperial title.” They live up to the title, as they truly rule their ecological niche—heavier primates simply cannot climb as high as they do.
Interesting Facts About These Jungle Emperors:
- Emperor tamarins are sometimes referred to as “Spix’s mustached tamarins,” but this doesn’t change much. If there were a barber contest among jungle inhabitants, these monkeys would undoubtedly win first place.
- They have what could be called “grooming days.” The monkeys groom each other, picking out fleas and even trimming each other’s mustaches.
- Tamarin society is matriarchal, with the oldest and most experienced female leading the group. She makes all the important decisions, while the males are responsible for gathering food, fathering offspring, and caring for the young.
- Newborn tamarins weigh no more than 30-35 grams and are already born with mustaches.
- Upon reaching sexual maturity, young males must leave their mother’s group, while females are allowed to stay.
- While tamarins primarily eat plant-based foods, they won’t pass up the chance to enjoy meat if they find a frog or lizard.
- The tail of a marmoset monkey is typically 8-10 cm longer than its body. This helps them balance on branches and pick fruit from hard-to-reach places.
- Despite their small size—no more than 30 cm long—emperor tamarins are always ready to fight off threats. At the first sign of danger, they bare their teeth and display aggressive behavior.
The lifespan of an emperor tamarin is about 10-15 years, which is considerable for such a tiny animal. However, they are still classified as vulnerable. Emperor tamarins are highly valued by poachers, primarily for private collections of exotic animals or zoos. Another reason for their population decline is deforestation. While the decrease in their numbers isn’t critical yet, environmentalists are concerned about their future.