Common marmoset.

Common Marmoset

Common marmosets are small arboreal monkeys from Brazil.

Common marmoset.

Common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), Toronto Zoo.

Common marmosets have claw-like nails all on their fingers except the big toe and they move about on trees in a squirrel-like manner. Apart from making their homes on tree a significant portion of the common marmoset’s diet consist of basically tree juices, that is sap, gum, latex and resin. They also eat insects, pieces of fruits, and animals small enough that they can kill and eat.

Unfortunately for the common marmoset a lot of animals are large enough to eat them thus they prey upon the common marmoset instead of being preyed upon by it.

Common marmosets live in family groups and have a complicated social life, for example the group usually has only one, or perhaps two breeding females and one breeding male. The other members of the group are their relatives but they are not allowed to breed.

There are people who desire a common marmoset as a pet but it is just a terribly bad idea to get one.

Further Readings:

Common marmoset Callithrix jacchus.
Common marmoset on Wikipedia.
Common marmoset on the Toronto Zoo website.
Last updated: July 3, 2014

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