Marmosets

Marmosets are highly active, living in the upper canopy of forest trees, and feeding on insects, fruit and leaves. They have long lower incisors, which allow them to chew holes in tree trunks and branches to harvest the gum inside; some species are specialised feeders on gum.

Marmosets live in family groups of 3 to 15, consisting of one to two breeding females, an unrelated male, their offspring and occasionally extended family members and unrelated individuals. Their mating systems are highly variable and can include monogamy, polygyny and occasionally polyandry. In most species, fraternal twins are usually born, but triplets are not unknown. Like other callitrichines, marmosets are characterized by a high degree of cooperative care of the young and some food sharing and tolerated theft. Adult males, females other than the mother, and older offspring participate in carrying infants. Most groups scent mark and defend the edges of their ranges, but it is unclear if they are truly territorial, as group home ranges greatly overlap.

Learn more by watching this video: "The tricky job of housing Callitrichids"



Black Tufted-Ear Marmosets

    Scientific Name: Callithrix penicillata
Black Tufted-Ear Marmosets

The Black Tufted-Ear Marmoset is from the Brazilian Central Plateau. They typically live in rainforests, high in the trees, but below the canopy. >>

 

Common Marmosets

    Scientific Name: Callithrix jacchus
Common Marmosets

The Common Marmoset is from Brazil. Their habitat ranges from the edge of forests into the deep forests, but they also appear in fields. >>