Russian
English
Common marmoset(Callithrix jacchus)
Phylum —chordata
Class — mammalia
Order — primates
Family — callitrichidae
Genus –callithrix
Appearance
Common marmosets are very small monkeys with relatively long tails. Males and females are of similar size with males being slightly larger. Males have an average height of 188 mm (7.40 in) and females have an average height of 185 mm (7.28 in). Males weigh 256 g (9.03 oz) on average and females weigh 236 g (8.32 oz) on average.
The pelage of the marmoset is multicolored, being sprinkled with brown, grey, and yellow. It also has white ear tufts and the tail is banded. Their faces have black across their nose area skin and have a white blaze on the forehead. The coats of infants are brown and yellow with the ear tuft developing later.
Habitat
The Common marmosets are found in Brazil; more precisely, from the northeastern coast westwards to the Rio Grande as well as in the southern parts of the country.
Behavior
The Common marmosets are highly social creatures, forming family units of 3 - 12 individuals, consisting of a breeding pair and their multiple young. Mates usually don't tolerate rivals for the attention of their mate. These primates are highly territorial animals, marking their home ranges by rubbing scent, found in their scrotal glands, onto tree branches. They lead diurnal lifestyle, being active during the daytime hours. These animals use tree holes and cavities as shelters and rely on excellent eyesight, hearing and smell to perceive their environment. They have a rather diverse communication system. For example, emotions are displayed through movements of the eyelids and ears as well as hairy adornments of the head. As it comes to vocalizations, these primates are known to use “gee-gee-gee” noises and different high-pitched chirps, resembling these emitted by birds. They accompany these calls with various facial expressions. Additionally, they produce a short “uistiti-uistiti” sound, which serves as mating call.
Diet
The Common marmosets are predominantly herbivores. The diet of these primates is mainly composed of tree sap, supplemented with various insects, spiders, fruit, flowers and nectar. On occasion, the Common marmosets are also known to consume frogs, small lizards as well as eggs and chicks of some birds.
Reproduction
The Common marmosets were formerly believed to have a monogamous mating system (where each individual has only one mate), based on the fact that captive individuals of this species tend to form long-lasting, monogamous pairs. Nevertheless, a recent study revealed that these primates in the wild practice polyandry, which means that each female breeds with numerous males. They are known to form breeding groups of 2 males and a single female.
Gestation period lasts for 142 - 150 days, yielding 1 - 3 infants with an average of 2 per litter. Newborn babies grow up very quickly. At 4 - 5 weeks old, they are ready to take solid food. Young marmosets are weaned at 3 months old and enter the juvenile phase at about 5 months old. They are sub-adults at 9 - 14 months old, soon gaining their sexual maturity. They usually gain their adult size at 15 months old, at which point young marmosets are mature and ready to mate. However, mating doesn't occur, until they are able to establish dominance.
The average lifespan of a wild Сommon marmoset is 12 years. Average lifespan of a captive Сommon marmoset is 16 years.
In captivity
Common marmosets are some of the easiest animals to keep and take care of.To live safely at your house, they will need a large spacious aviary, made on the principle of a terrarium. In such conditions it will be easier to maintain the necessary humidity and temperature.
Since Common marmosets live in the tropics, the optimal temperature for them is not lower than +25. The level of humidity is needed-about 80 %.
At home, the owners of these monkeys should follow the diet of their pets as close as possible to the natural one. The animals need to be fed a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, as well as quail eggs.
If your home zoo has only one Common marmoset, get ready all your free time to spend with her. Otherwise, your pet will feel lonely. And if you buy a pair of marmosets, they will be busy with each other all the time.
