The Pygmy Marmoset is the smallest monkey in the world. It lives in holes in trees in the rainforests of western Brazil, southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and eastern Peru. These small primates are only four and a half to five ounces and range in length from five to six inches (without the tail).
The Pygmy Marmoset has a ringed tail that is as long as its body when it is stretched out. Because they eat a lot of tree sap, their claws are designed to help them climb trees and make holes in them. In order to get to the sticky sap, they can spend up to two-thirds of their time digging out bark and wood fibre. The incisors of a marmoset are in the shape of a shovel, which helps them make holes in trees so they can lick out the sap.
Because they are so small, it is hard to see these creatures in their natural environment. Researchers don't know how long they live in the wild, but they can live up to 11 years in captivity. They also eat fruit, insects, birds, and bird eggs, in addition to tree sap. They live in groups, sometimes with two males, several females, and several young. Only one male is dominant, and he controls who can get close to the females. Usually, a woman will have two babies at the same time.
On the Worldwide Endangered Species List, the Pygmy Marmoset is listed as LC, which means that it is "least concern." But because the ecosystem of the rainforest is a great resource that is quickly disappearing, the rate of species going extinct is high.
Pygmies live in groups near people on the edges of pastures, fields, and orchards. But these places don't have as many people as rainforests that haven't been touched. As rainforests are cut down, mined, and turned into farms, Pygmies will lose their home forever.
It can't hurt for people to know more about the little guys.
