Factfile
Where they live
South America, in the Upper Amazonian regions of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia
Habitat
natural tropical forest and floodplain forests
Size
head-body length up to 13cm, tail length 20cm
Weight
120-140g
Lifespan
up to 12 years
Threats
habitat loss and hunting
Did you know...
- The pygmy marmoset is the world's smallest monkey
More about pygmy marmosets...
Pygmy marmosets are the worlds smallest monkeys. They have fine, silky coats and long hairs on their cheeks and head which form a mane that conceals their almond shaped ears.
They live in groups of up to 15 individuals consisting of an adult breeding pair and their offspring of various ages. They have special scent glands for marking their territories which are vigorously defended. When two males of different groups meet, they threaten each other with rapid flattening and erection of the ear tufts and walk near each other with their backs arched. They have at least 10 different forms of vocal expression, including a trill to communicate over long distances, a high sharp warning whistle and a clicking sound for threats. They also communicate with facial expressions, body posture and hair erection.
The dominant female of the group gives birth to non-identical twins after a gestation period of 142 days. The babies are usually carried by the male and only returned to the female for feeding.
Pygmy marmosets are omnivores feeding mostly on berries, buds, fruits and flowers. They also use their long incisor teeth to gnaw holes into a favourite tree trunk in order to drink the sap which is a very important source of nutrients. They also occasionally eat insects and small vertebrates.
