Meet the Common Marmoset Monkey
The Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a tiny, tree-dwelling primate native to the forests of Brazil, known for its distinctive white ear tufts and expressive eyes. Despite their small size—only about 8 inches long, not counting their long, bushy tails—these energetic monkeys are full of surprises. They communicate using a complex system of vocalizations, including ultrasonic calls that are inaudible to the human ear! Unlike many other primates, marmosets have specialized teeth that allow them to gouge tree bark and feed on sap and gum, making them unique among New World monkeys. They live in tight-knit family groups, where both parents and even older siblings help care for the babies, a rare trait in the animal kingdom. Agile and curious, these little primates are always on the move, leaping between branches in search of food, companionship, and adventure.
Park Location: Animal Walkabout
About the Common Marmoset Monkey
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | ||||||
| Height | 6-10 inches (15-25cm) long | ||||||
| Weight | 8.32 – 9.03 ounces (236 – 256 grams) | ||||||
| Diet | Common marmosets eat both plants and small animals. The primary source of food is plant exudates, meaning the gum, sap, latex, or resin that ooze from plants. | ||||||
| Gestation Period | 148 Days | ||||||
| Life Span | 12 Years | ||||||
| Threats | Common marmosets face significant threats, mostly from humans. They continue to face habitat destruction, they are frequently used in biological studies, and they are victims of hunting and capturing, primarily for the illegal pet trade. | ||||||
