Common Marmoset - Five Sisters Zoo

One of the smallest monkey species, Common Marmosets possess a thick coat of white fur around the face with a darker ring extending down the neck and to the shoulders. The fur on their bodies can be a mottled mix of black, brown, and yellow with a white stripe down the back. Common Marmosets are also known as White-Tufted Ear marmosets due to the white fur that grows just around, and hides the appearance of, the ears on the side of their head.

Facts

Diet: Omnivore; invertebrates, fruit, seeds and tree sap or gum.

Weight: 230g

Length: 15-25cm body length; tail length ranges from 25-40cm.

Habitat: Brazil; coastal forests preferred but can adapt to differing forests and some urban areas.

Lifespan: 12 years in the wild; 15 years + in captivity

Adapted to Survive

  • Long lower incisors and shorter canines are designed to gnaw at bark to get at the tree sap
  • Claw-like nails allow them to hang from trees
  • Able to run on all 4 feet to move through the trees

Threats

  • Deforestation and habitat fragmentation
  • Illegal pet and wildlife trade

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern

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