Black Tufted-eared Marmoset
Callithrix kuhlii
CLASS: Mammalia
ORDER: Primates
FAMILY: Callithichidae
SIZE:
Body length 8 - 8.5 inches; tail 11 - 12 inches. Average weight is 6 - 8 ounces.
RANGE:
East-central Brazil
HABITAT:
Forests; often near cacao plantations
DIET:
Wild - Fruits, insects, gums, spiders, and small vertebrates
Zoo - Fruits, insects, and biscuits
DESCRIPTION:
Black ear tufts, white forehead with light facial hair. The back and tail are banded.
FACTS:
Diurnal and arboreal; sleeping at night in tree holes or other shelter.
When threatening a human, these marmosets put their ear tufts forward and fluff up their fur to make themselves look larger. They also make a rapid and continuous vocalization. High-pitched whistle is a warning signal.
Live in groups of 4 - 15 individuals that have overlapping home ranges. Sleep huddled together in the wild. Dominance is maintained through aggressive interaction.
Quadrupedal; they run and hop in trees and bushes and are capable of leaping. Movements are quick and jerky.
In captivity, these marmosets may catch and eat sparrows that fly into their cage.
Specialized short lower canines are used to perforate tree bark, inducing the flow of gums and sap.
Forelimbs are shorter than hind limbs
Thumb is not opposable
STATUS:
CITES App. II; ENDANGERED
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