Marmoset
- Common Name: Common Marmoset
- Scientific Name: Callithrix jacchus
- Diet: Insects, fruit, tree sap, and smaller animals
- Range: Northern Brazil
- Size: 6 to 24 inches (including tail) and 10 to 14 ounces.
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Overview
Marmosets are small, tree-dwelling primates known for their agility, adorable frames, and social nature. These monkeys are highly vocal and live in tight knit family groups, often displaying cooperative care for their young.
Geographical Distribution and Habitat
Marmosets are native to a limited region in northern Brazil, where they inhabit the lush, biodiverse canopy of the Amazon Rainforest. These marmosets are primarily found along the Amazon River and its surrounding forest corridors. These primates prefer secondary forests and edge habitats, which offer abundant food sources and shelter.
Diet
Marmosets have a diverse and adaptive diet that reflects their environment. Their clawed fingers allow them to forage efficiently among the branches, where they consume a mix of insects, fruits, flowers, and small vertebrates. One of their most specialized feeding behaviors involves gouging holes in tree bark to extract sap and gum, which are rich in carbohydrates and minerals. This behavior not only sustains them during periods of fruit scarcity but also supports a unique role in forest ecology by influencing tree health and sap flow.
Fun Facts
- Twin births are the norm among marmosets, with single births being rare and triplets occurring about as often.
- Their vocalizations include whistles, clicks, and trills, which they use to communicate within their social groups.
- Marmosets mark their territory using scent glands, a behavior more commonly associated with larger mammals.
Learn About Other Animals
The Amazon Rainforest
No other animals are currently listed for this exhibit.