| GEOFFROY'S TUFTED-EAR MARMOSET |
| Callithrix geoffroyi |
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Range:
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Remnant forests in southeastern Brazil |
The marmoset and tamarins are the most diverse of the new world primates. The coats are fine, silky and often colorful. They share several characteristics unusual among other primates. These include small, modified claws instead of nails (except for their big toe), and two as opposed to three molar teeth in either side of the jaw.
Marmosets can be distinguished from tamarins by the length of their lower canine teeth, which are the same length as the incisors. This enables them to gouge holes in tree bark to feed on the gum and sap. Tamarin canines project above the incisors.
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| Habitat: |
Primary tropical rainforest mixed with secondary growth |
| Diet: |
Fruit, flowers, plant gums, plant saps, plant latex, nectar, insects, spiders, frogs, snails, and lizards. |
| Status: |
Endangered (SSP); threatened by long-term destruction of habitat |
| Approximate Dimensions of Adult: |
Weight: less than one pound |
| Lifespan: |
Up to 16 years in captivity |
| Reproduction & Offspring: |
Gestation: 140-150 days. Offspring: Single; twinning rate is high |
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