Tamarin Trust recently collaborated with the Brazilian National Primate Centre and ICMBio to run the sixth Callitrichid Conservation Husbandry Workshop in Belém, Brazil. This inspiring event brought together long-standing colleagues and new voices alike, all united by a shared commitment to protecting Brazil’s most endangered marmosets and tamarins. Many thanks to Universeum Science Park in Sweden for supporting the workshop.

The dedication of participants, many of whom have been involved since the workshop’s inception, was wonderful to see. Together, we celebrated real progress in conservation breeding efforts. Assurance populations of black lion tamarins, buffy tufted-ear marmosets, and pied tamarins have grown significantly in recent years, with studbook-managed groups now established across multiple institutions. Not long ago, ex-situ populations of these species were worryingly small—this progress marks a major success of the workshop series.

Encouraging updates were shared from the wild: both the golden lion tamarin and black lion tamarin projects have been bolstered by ongoing reforestation and habitat corridor initiatives. However, the situation remains critical for species like the buffy-headed marmoset and buffy tufted-ear marmoset in Brazil’s Atlantic forest, and the pied tamarin, which continues to face serious threats from habitat fragmentation in central Amazonia.

A major highlight was the announcement of the first-ever protected reserve for pied tamarins—a 13,000-hectare forest area now officially designated for the species. While a huge step forward, it’s clear that long-term survival will depend on connecting fragmented habitats and sustaining coordinated conservation action.

One key topic was the proposed creation of specialist species hubs—centres strategically located within the natural ranges of these threatened primates. These would serve as multidisciplinary facilities for rescue, rehabilitation, research, translocation, and reintroduction, as well as linking in-situ efforts with ex-situ assurance colonies. The vision is to provide responsive, expert-led support directly where it’s needed most.

Overall, the workshop was a powerful reminder of what’s possible through collaboration and shared vision. It was a joy to reconnect with so many dedicated colleagues and to reaffirm our goals for the future of callitrichid conservation in Brazil.