Scientific Name: Callithrix pygmaea
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Body Length: 12–15 cm
Weight: 100–125 g
Gestation: 130–140 days
Number of young: 1–3

Distribution: The Amazon, South America
Habitat: Rainforest

Description: The Pygmy Marmoset has speckled, tawny fur and a hood of hair on its head. Like other marmosets, the Pygmy Marmoset has claw-like nails that help them to climb. The tail is 17–23 cm long, which is longer than the body, and marked with black rings.

Diet: Pygmy Marmosets are omnivores. They gouge 10 or more new holes out of tree bark every day and return to these, and older holes, at different times to collect and eat the gum the tree produces. They also eat flower nectar, fruit, grubs and spiders.

In the wild: They travel in troops of 5–10 and there is one breeding pair per troop. Older offspring usually carry the younger offspring. When they are under attack, the whole group will mob an intruder, loudly vocalising and attacking until it retreats. At other times, they will remain still until the threat has passed.

Predators of Pygmy Marmosets include raptors (birds of prey), small cats and snakes.

Threats: Pygmy Marmosets are at most risk from the loss of their natural rainforest habitat in South America. Threats to this species include logging for the timber industry, land clearing for agriculture and the illegal pet trade.

At Perth Zoo: The Pygmy Marmoset exhibit is located in the Lesser Primate area.

Did you know? The Pygmy Marmoset is the smallest primate in the world. It is so small, it fits in a human palm.