What is the origin of the name 'Common Marmoset'?

The name 'Common Marmoset' originates from the word 'common' in its scientific family name and because it is a marmoset. In English, it is called 'Common Marmoset'. The scientific name 'Callithrix jacchus' comes from the Greek words for 'beautiful hair' and 'common'. The Common Marmoset is also nicknamed 'pocket monkey' due to its small size.

Why does the Common Marmoset live there?

The Common Marmoset is native to the northeastern coastal region of Brazil and is found in a wide range of forest environments including Atlantic forests, inland semi-deciduous forests, savannah forests, and riparian forests.

As a primate, it lives in trees and its body structure is adapted to dry boundary areas and secondary forests.

What does the Common Marmoset eat?

The Common Marmoset is omnivorous but primarily feeds on plant exudates like gum, sap, and resin, along with insects throughout the year. It also eats fruits, flowers, seeds, snails, bird eggs, and small mammals.

When kept as pets, they are fed a diet suitable for primates, which includes monkey food, insects like crickets and mealworms, fruits like oranges and apples, eggs, and dairy products. Monkey food, which is nutritionally balanced, should be the staple, with fruits and insects given as treats.

Do Common Marmosets eat sap and insects?

Unlike other primates, Common Marmosets have a diet centered around plant exudates and insects.

They use their claw-like nails to cling to tree trunks and skillfully use their large chisel-shaped incisors to make holes in trees to lick or bite off the plant exudates.

From January to April, when fruits are scarce, they rely heavily on plant exudates and insects. Despite their small size, insects alone can satisfy their nutritional needs.

Do Common Marmosets live with their relatives?

Common Marmosets live in groups of about 9-15 individuals, typically consisting of a breeding female, a breeding male, their offspring, and other relatives.

If the breeding male dies, the group may split. There is a hierarchy among females, with dominant females receiving grooming from subordinate ones.

Do Common Marmosets have a fast birth cycle?

Common Marmosets have a rapid reproductive cycle. They can conceive again just 10 days after giving birth, allowing them to have two litters per year, with twins being common.

A female can give birth to 40-80 offspring over her lifetime, contributing to their use in scientific research due to their high reproductive rate.

Do Common Marmosets help with child rearing?

Because the burden on the pregnant and birthing female is great, other group members, including those who have finished breeding, help with caregiving.

Common Marmoset offspring are weaned at about three months old and start playing within the group. Older siblings play and carry the younger ones, helping with their care.

Are Common Marmosets considered close to humans?

The Common Marmoset was the first New World monkey to have its entire genome sequenced, making it a valuable model for studying diseases due to its closer genetic similarity to humans than mice.

They have been used in groundbreaking medical research, making significant contributions to the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Where can you see Common Marmosets?

In Japan, Common Marmosets can be seen in many zoos, including Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Chiba Zoological Park, Nasu Animal Kingdom in Tochigi, and Kamine Zoo in Ibaraki.

Other places include the Japan Monkey Centre in Aichi, Omoriyama Zoo in Akita, and Kobe Animal Kingdom in Hyogo.

Can Common Marmosets be kept as pets?

Recently, Common Marmosets have become more visible in pet shops. They are considered intermediate in terms of ease of care among exotic animals.

They are diurnal and active during the day, resting at night. When keeping them as pets, it is best to provide a tall cage with perches, hammocks, ladders, etc., to mimic their natural tree-dwelling environment.

Due to their natural habitat, they do not have fixed toilet spots, making it difficult to train them to use a toilet. They may also spray urine, so it's recommended to lay pet sheets around their cage.

What kind of personality does the Common Marmoset have?

Common Marmosets are highly intelligent but can be wary if approached too aggressively initially. Gradually building trust is key, and once familiar, they may even sit on your hand.

They are timid, so keeping them in a quiet environment is crucial to prevent stress.

They are capable of learning through training and are affectionate, often desiring constant company.

What should you be cautious of when keeping a Common Marmoset?

Common Marmosets are shy and can be stressed easily by aggressive handling. They are susceptible to rickets if not exposed to adequate UV light, so placing their cage in sunlight or installing UV lights is necessary.

They are sensitive to cold, so maintaining a cage temperature around 30°C with pet heaters or warm lights is important for their well-being.

What are the lifespan and cost of a Common Marmoset?

Common Marmosets live 10-15 years in the wild and often less in captivity due to stress. In a well-managed environment, they can live up to 16 years.

They are sold in pet shops and by breeders for about 400,000 to 700,000 yen. Prices can be higher for younger and female individuals due to their reproductive potential.