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Pygmy marmoset Facts

Pygmy marmoset Facts
Pygmy marmoset is a type of primate that is best known as the smallest monkey in the world. It can be found in Brazil, Peru, Columbia and Ecuador. Pygmy marmosets live in dense, tropical rainforests, lowland forests and areas that are flooded for more than three months during the year. Number of pygmy marmosets in the wild is still stable. Luckily, these animals are not severely affected by habitat loss (which is the major threat for most animals). Other than habitat loss, normal behavior of pygmy marmosets in the wild is disturbed by tourist expeditions. Pet trade is another factor that affects number of pygmy marmosets.
Interesting Pygmy marmoset Facts:
Pygmy marmosets are tiny animals that can fit into human palm. Females are slightly larger than males. On average, pygmy marmoset reaches between 4.75 and 6 inches in length and weight between 3.53 and 4 ounces.
Body of pygmy marmoset is covered with dense fur that can be grayish, tawny or brownish-gold in color.
Tail of pygmy marmoset is longer than the body. It is covered with black rings.
Unlike other primates, pygmy marmosets have claws instead of nails. Their claws provide strong grip that is required for moving in the treetops.
Pygmy marmoset is able to leap 15 feet into the air. Another interesting feature is ability to rotate its head for 180 degrees.
Pygmy marmosets use their lower canines to drill the bark and induce leakage of the sap. This sticky liquid is favorite food of pygmy marmosets.
Pygmy marmosets eat both plant and animal-based food (omnivores). They eat different type of fruit, nectar, leaves and small invertebrates (such as insects).
Pygmy marmosets are quiet animals. They sometimes produce clicking sounds in communication and high-pitched whistle as a warning of the upcoming danger.
Pygmy marmosets are diurnal animals (active during the day). They spend most of their lifetime in trees, where they can find food and hide from the predators.
Main predators of pygmy marmosets are pit vipers, tayra and cats such as jaguarundi, ocelot, margay and oncilla.
Pygmy marmosets live in small groups, known as troops, composed of up to 15 animals. Troop consists of breading couple and their offspring.
Pygmy marmosets are territorial animals. Average size of territory is 25 to 100 acres. Troop will defend its territory against other pygmy marmosets.
Pygmy marmosets are monogamous, which means that male and female mate for a lifetime. Pygmy marmosets reach sexual maturity at the age of 1 or 1.5 year. Each couple of pygmy marmosets has two litters per year.
Pregnancy lasts 119 to 140 days and ends with two babies (rarely one or three). They will spend first two months of their life on the father's back. Mother is responsible for feeding and cleaning of youngsters.
Pygmy marmosets live 10 to 12 years in the wild and up to 16 years in captivity.


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