Roosmalens' dwarf marmoset facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roosmalens' dwarf marmoset |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Mico
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| Species: |
humilis
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| Roosmalens' dwarf marmoset range | |
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The Roosmalens' dwarf marmoset (Mico humilis) is a tiny monkey. It is also called the black-crowned dwarf marmoset. This small monkey lives in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil. It lives near the Madeira River and the Aripuanã River.
This marmoset has a very small home area. It has the smallest home range of any monkey in the Amazon. Scientists first thought it might belong to its own special group. But later studies showed it belongs with other marmosets in the Mico group.
How Were They Discovered?
This amazing monkey was first found in 1998. It was discovered about 400 kilometers (250 miles) south of the city of Manaus in Brazil.
In 1996, a scientist named Marc van Roosmalen found one of these monkeys. A river trader gave it to him in a milk can. Marc thought it was a new kind of monkey. He believed it was related to the even smaller pygmy marmoset.
Marc did not know exactly where the monkey came from at first. After a long trip, he found where they lived. It was near the town of Nova Olinda. This area is in the southeastern part of the Amazonas state. Later, more of these monkeys were found further south. They were living along the west banks of the Rio Roosevelt.
What Do They Look Like?
Adult Roosmalens' dwarf marmosets are quite small. They are about 38–39 centimeters (15-15½ inches) long. This length includes their tail, which is about 22–24 centimeters (8½–9½ inches) long. They weigh about 150–185 grams (5½–6½ ounces).
This marmoset is the second smallest monkey in the world. Only the pygmy marmoset is smaller. The top part of their body is mostly dark olive-brown. Their belly area is a pale, dull yellowish color.
Their face has no fur and is pale pink. A ring of whitish hair goes around their face. The top of their head is blackish. This is why it is also called the black-crowned dwarf marmoset. Like other marmosets, they have claws instead of flat nails. They use these claws to help them climb trees and get food. Their teeth are also like those of other marmosets.
Life Cycle and Family
The Roosmalens' dwarf marmoset is special among marmosets. Most marmosets usually have two babies at a time (twins). But this marmoset usually gives birth to only one baby.
Many marmoset groups are very protective of their home area. They often have only one main female who has babies. But with Roosmalens' dwarf marmoset, it's different. It's common for more than one female in a group to have young. This shows they might be less territorial than other marmoset species.
