The common marmoset lives in tropical rainforests
Marmoset monkeys, from the Callitrichid family of primates, are mainly found in tropical rainforests of Central and South America. The common marmoset is tree dwelling and lives in a home range of between 5,000 and 65,000 square meters. They require trees that provide gums and saps for food, as well as hiding places to escape predators, such as snakes and raptors.
Description
An adult common marmoset is 7 to 12 inches tall, with a 7 to 16 inch tail, and weighs between 10 and 18 ounces, according to Primate Care. It has black fur on its head and neck, with white tufts on its ears. The face is black and flattened. The fur on its body is black and white and it has black rings on its white tail.
Diet
According to the University of Wisconsin, the common marmoset eats sap and gum from trees, fruits and small animals. It chews holes in the bark of trees to access the sap. In addition to sweet fruits, nectar and flowers, it also feeds on spiders, lizards, snails, grasshoppers, crickets, cockroaches and cicadas.
Socialization/Reproduction
Marmosets reach maturity at about 18 months of age and usually reproduce for the first time between 17 and 20 months. They usually give birth to two babies every six months. The gestation period is between 140 and 146 days and labor only takes about an hour. All family members will carry the infant monkeys, returning them to their mothers for nursing. The University of Wisconsin indicates that they usually live in groups of 8 to 10, and sometimes have as many as 15 members. There is usually only one breeding pair in a group.
Types
Along with the common marmoset, there are several other types, such as Geoffroy's marmoset, pygmy marmoset and silvery marmoset. Primary differences between the types are size and colors. The pygmy marmoset is the smallest monkey in the world at 4.7 to 5.8 inches tall with a 6.6 to 9 inch tail, weighing only 3.5 to 4.5 ounces. The lifespan of the marmoset ranges from 7 to 16 years, according to Primate Care.
Conservation
The University of Wisconsin indicates that the common marmoset, unlike some of its relatives, is not considered an endangered species, as of 2010. However, in some areas the populations are beginning to diminish because of the destruction of their habitat. Marmosets listed as endangered include Buffy tuft-eared marmoset, Buffy-head marmoset and black-headed marmoset. Geoffroy's marmoset is considered vulnerable.
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