Pygmy Marmoset - Five Sisters Zoo

The smallest of the New World monkeys (monkeys native to South and Central America). Their body has brownish-gold fur and a mane that covers their heads and ears, leaving only their eyes and the area around the mouth uncovered. They often live in family groups in the trees, and use a wide range of calls and noises to communicate with each other to warn of predators and share information.

 

Facts

Diet: Omnivore; tree sap, some invertebrates, fruit and nectar.

Weight: 85-140 g

Height: 29-40cm, including the tail

Habitat: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia; Amazon rainforest, preferring dense vegetation in the understory layer, either in trees or bamboo, or alongside water such a rivers and floodplains.

Life Span: 10 years in the wild, 12-15 years under human care

 

 

Adapted to Survive

  • Pygmy marmosets are excellent jumpers, leaping up to 5 meters from one tree to another
  • Specialized teeth allow them to access tree sap, or gum, for their primary diet

Threats

  • Pet trade
  • Poaching
  • Habitat Loss

IUCN Conservation Status

Vulnerable

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