Pygmy marmoset facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pygmy marmoset |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Cebidae
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| Genus: |
Callithrix
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| Binomial name | |
| Callithrix pygmaea |
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Pygmy marmosets are super tiny monkeys! They are the smallest type of marmoset and one of the smallest primates in the whole world. You can find them living in the forests of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia.
These little monkeys have brownish-yellow fur that helps them blend in with the trees. Their tails have dark rings, but these rings are not always easy to see.
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Meet the Pygmy Marmoset!
Pygmy marmosets are known for their incredibly small size. They are often called "finger monkeys" because they can be as small as a human finger! These amazing creatures are very active and spend most of their lives in trees.
Living in a Group
Most pygmy marmosets live in small family groups called "troops." A troop usually has about two to nine members. This group often includes a main male, a female who has babies, and their younger offspring. A typical troop usually has about six members. They use special sounds, called contact calls, to stay together when they are looking for food or moving around.
Where Do They Live?
Pygmy marmosets love to live in forests that sometimes get flooded near rivers. They also like areas with lots of bamboo plants. Sometimes, you can even find them living near the edges of farms. They are very good at climbing and jumping through the trees in their homes.
What Do They Eat?
Pygmy marmosets mainly eat a sticky liquid called "gum" or "sap" that comes out of trees. They are very clever! They use their sharp teeth to make small holes in the bark of trees. Then, they come back to these holes every day to collect the sap that oozes out. They also enjoy eating fruit, sweet nectar from flowers, and insects. Their special claws help them hold on tightly to the trees while they are eating.
Images for kids
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The pygmy marmoset is the world's smallest monkey.
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Skull of a Pygmy marmoset
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Specialised claws allow the pygmy marmoset to cling to trees while feeding.
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Pygmy marmosets live in groups of two to nine individuals.
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Groups use contact calls to stay together when foraging, feeding, and travelling.
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