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Pied tamarin
The pied tamarin is a striking and highly distinctive primate native to the central Amazon Basin in Brazil, particularly around the city of Manaus. It inhabits tropical rainforest, including primary forest, seasonally flooded areas, and secondary growth. Its black head, white facial ruff, and rich brown body make it one of the most easily recognisable tamarin species.
You can find our family of pied tamarins living in the exhibit behind the meerkats.
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Primates
Family:
Callitrichidae
About the pied tamarin
These small primates are omnivores, feeding on fruit, insects, tree sap, and small invertebrates. Their agile hands and sharp claws help them cling to vertical tree trunks and search for food among branches. Like other callitrichids, pied tamarins show remarkable cooperation during feeding and infant care.
Pied tamarins live in family groups of around three to nine individuals. They have a complex social structure in which typically only one dominant female breeds, and the rest of the group helps raise the young. Communication involves a wide range of vocalisations, scent marking, and expressive body language.
Conservation
The pied tamarin is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Its restricted range in central Brazil, including the rapidly growing city of Manaus, means it faces severe threats from habitat loss and urban expansion. As forests are cleared or degraded, the species loses vital feeding and breeding areas, and competition with other tamarin species further pressures declining populations.
Conservation actions include captive breeding programmes and protection of remaining forest fragments. Pied tamarins are also a flagship species for community engagement and habitat restoration efforts in the central Amazon Basin.