marmoriset

Marmosets are small New World monkeys belonging to the family Callitrichidae. They are native to tropical forests in western, central, and southern Brazil, and also in Central American countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. Marmosets are characterized by their small size, often weighing less than a pound, and their long, non-prehensile tails. They possess sharp, claw-like nails on all digits except the big toe, which aids them in climbing trees. Their fur is typically soft and varies in color, with many species displaying distinctive markings or tufts of fur on their ears.

These primates are diurnal and arboreal, spending most of their lives in trees. They are omnivores, with their diet consisting of fruits, insects, tree sap, nectar, and small vertebrates. Marmosets are highly social animals, living in family groups that typically consist of a breeding pair and their offspring. Communication within groups involves a complex repertoire of vocalizations, scent marking, and visual displays. They are known for their rapid movements and agility through the forest canopy.

There are several species of marmosets, including the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and the pygmy marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea), which is the smallest monkey in the world. Marmosets play a role in seed dispersal and insect control within their ecosystems. They are also sometimes kept as pets, though this practice is regulated and can raise welfare concerns due to their specific social and dietary needs.