Listed in Annexe 1 of the Washington Convention, Pied Tamarins are one of the most endangered Amazonian primates because of their extremely small range (the Manaus region of Brazil) and the destruction of their habitat (deforestation in favour of urban growth and farming).
 
They live in groups of several males and females averaging 2–8 in number, but only the dominant female breeds. Pied Tamarins communicate in various ways: vocally (tweets, whistles), chemically (olfactory marking), by touch (grooming) and by gesture (postures, mimicry).
 
Tamarins are unique among primates in that the male and other members of the group help raise the young (they carry them, only returning them to the mother for breastfeeding). At birth, young Pied Tamarins have hairs on the top of their heads that they lose as they grow up.
 
Pied Tamarin conservation is coordinated by the Brazilian government in partnership with international institutions and NGOs. The captive breeding program involves several zoos in Brazil, the United States and Europe.