Near Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, an important opportunity exists to establish a permanent conservation centre for the critically threatened buffy-tufted-ear marmoset (Callithrix aurita). 

Located adjacent to the mountains of Teresópolis Municipal Natural Park, Saíra Azul Farm lies within one of the Atlantic Forest’s most important conservation landscapes.

The property already has substantial infrastructure, including accommodation for researchers and volunteers, meeting facilities, and other buildings, allowing it to rapidly become an active conservation base.

According to Dr Rodrigo Carvalho, coordinator of the Mountain Marmoset Conservation Programme, the site could serve as a conservation stronghold for the species. Its strategic location would enable long-term field research and monitoring of wild populations, early detection of invasive hybrid marmosets introduced from other areas of Brazil, and improved protection of nearby forest areas that are not currently very well protected.

Securing Saíra Azul Farm as a permanent conservation base would greatly strengthen protection efforts for one of Brazil’s rarest primates, providing accommodation for volunteers and researchers, and a centre for environmental education, community engagement, sustainable ecotourism and primate-watching initiatives.

Tamarin Trust founder Dom Wormell says: “This represents a great opportunity to create a foothold so that we can begin to rebuild the population of buffy-tufted-ear marmosets in the heart of their original range. Tamarin Trust is very eager to be involved in the development of Saíra Azul and to support conservation activities based there.”

Situated just 110 km from Rio de Janeiro International Airport and 18 km from Teresópolis, the farm is highly accessible while remaining at the heart of one of the species’ remaining strongholds.

The property is up for sale for £480,000, but there is also the option of purchasing 50% of the property, which would include all the forest and several buildings. If you are interested in supporting this exciting project, please contact Dom (domwormell@tamarintrust.org).