Pygmy Marmoset
Taxonomy
- Phylum: Chordata – chordate
- Class: Mammalia – mammal
- Order: Primates – primate
- Family: Callitrichidae – Marmosters and tamarins
- Species: Cebuella niveiventris – Eastern pygmy marmoset
Conservation
Distribution and habitat
The eastern pygmy marmosets are found in the southwestern part of the Amazon rainforest — in Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. They mainly live in forests along riverbanks.
Adaptions
As their name suggests, pygmy marmosets are very small monkeys. Their body length is only about 11 to 15 centimeters! Males weigh between 100 and 125 grams, while females are larger — from 125 to 140 grams. The eastern pygmy marmoset’s tail is longer than its body — from 17 to 23 centimeters — and it is used for balance when moving along tree branches.
Pygmy marmosets are active during the day and live in groups, usually consisting of 2 to 9 individuals. A group occupies a territory around one or two trees, whose sap and gum provides food for all members. When the sap runs out, the group moves on to find a new territory.
Diet
Pygmy marmosets primarily feed on tree sap and gum. Their teeth are specially adapted for gnawing through tree bark to stimulate sap flow. While most primates have flat nails similar to humans, pygmy marmosets have sharp claws that help them climb tree trunks and scrape for sap. In addition, they also eat insects and small amounts of fruit.
Breeding
Marmosets are highly social animals. As with other marmoset species, reproduction within the group is limited to one monogamous pair — the dominant female and male. Gestation lasts about 4.5 months. Offspring are born twice a year, with no distinct breeding season. In most cases, twins are born, and the other group members help care for them.
The young are nursed for about three months and become fully independent at around 15 to 17 months of age. Pygmy marmosets typically live for 10 to 12 years.
Conservation and threats
The species is threatened by habitat loss caused by deforestation and mining activities. Due to their cute appearance, pygmy marmosets are also endangered by illegal wildlife trade. If you’re considering getting an exotic pet, always make sure you know its origin — and understand how complex their care can be!
References:
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/136865/259088767
Boubli, J.P., da Silva, M.N.F. Rylands, A.B., Nash, S.D., Bertuol, F., Nunes, M., Mittermeier, R.A., Byrne, H.,
da Silva F.E., Röhe, F., Sampaio, I., Schneider, H., Farias, I.P. and Hrbek, T.P. 2018. How many pygmy
marmoset (Cebuella Gray, 1870) species are there? A taxonomic re-appraisal based on new molecular
evidence. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 120: 170-182
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