Common Marmoset
Scientific Name: Callithrix Jacchus
Habitat: Shrublands, Tropical Rainforests, Secondary Forests,
Diet: Herbivore
Weight: 8-9 oz.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Range: Northeastern Brazil, East Coast to Central Forests
Lifespan: 12 years
Size: 6-10 in.
The common marmoset is a small monkey distinguished by its white tufted ears, grayish fur with patches of brown and black, and a long, banded tail that aids in balance. Their small size and agile limbs allow them to navigate the dense understory of tropical forests with ease. Common marmosets live in social groups usually composed of extended family members, including a dominant breeding pair and their offspring. They exhibit cooperative breeding behaviors, where non-breeding individuals assist in caring for the young. Their diet mainly consists of tree sap, gum, insects, and small fruits. Breeding in common marmosets is seasonal or year-round, depending on the region, with a gestation period of about 140 to 150 days. Females often give birth to twins, which require intensive parental care. Infants are carried and protected not only by their mothers but also by other group members, facilitating survival and social bonding within the troop.