Common Marmoset

The common marmoset is a small primate with smoky grey fur, a black and grey banded tail, and characteristic white tufts of hair around the ears. It commonly lives in groups of 2 to 12 individuals and can spend up to 70% of its time foraging for food, especially tree sap and gum. Its teeth are specifically adapted to chew into tree bark and release these exudates. It forages in the rainforest canopy for fruits, seeds, insects, tree sap, gum, and nectar. Primarily arboreal, it is found in secondary forests and along forest edges in the Atlantic coastal forests of Northeastern Brazil. It is widespread and not currently in danger. It has a life span of 10-16 years, a size of 14-19 cm, a weight of 300-500 grams, and a gestation period of 144 days, usually producing twins. Common marmosets have also been introduced to other parts of South America outside their natural range, including urban centers such as Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, where they thrive in gardens and parks.

Cape May Court House, New Jersey · United States