Marmoset Monkeys
At Animal Tracks, we care for several Common Marmosets, all of whom were surrendered for various reasons—chief among them being that it is illegal to own them in California. Despite their small size and seemingly cute appearance, marmosets are incredibly challenging to care for. They dribble urine throughout the day, making them quite smelly, and their needle-sharp teeth and mischievous personalities give them a "real-life gremlin" reputation.
Unfortunately, many people purchase marmosets on impulse without understanding their highly specialized needs. These tiny primates require a diet rich in gum and sap, along with regular exposure to sunlight. However, when kept illegally, owners often feed them human food and keep them indoors to avoid detection. As a result, marmosets that should live over 20 years in the wild or in proper care often survive only about a year in captivity under these conditions.
Unlike many other primates, marmosets live in matriarchal troops, where the females take charge. At Animal Tracks, we provide them with heated indoor enclosures for chilly nights and spacious outdoor habitats where they can enjoy the sun during the day and warm summer evenings.
ORDER: Primates
FAMILY: Callitrichidae
GENUS: Callithris
SPECIES: Jacchus
The marmoset is a unique primate. They have claw like nails, known as tegulae, and specialized incisors. This is to help them with their specialized diet of gum, sap, and insects. They are clingers and leapers as opposed to other primates which brachiate. They are a super social primate and live in family groups of 3- 12 individuals. They are highly territorial and mark their territory with scent to keep others away. They are diurnal or active during the day. They have excellent eyesight, hearing and sense of smell and a diverse system for communication, which includes, eyelids, ears, and ear tufts to display their emotions. They are arboreal, tree dwelling, omnivores. They breed in groups made up of 2 males and 1 female. Gestations is between 142 and 150 days where 1-3 infants are born. The infants are weened at 3 months old and are adult sized by 15 months. However, breeding does not occur until they can prove dominance. Interesting fact, all males are colorblind while the females can see in color.
Threats
Habitat destruction and illegal pet trade.
Conservation Status
LC - Least Concern