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Marmosets and Tamarins (Part One)

© Sue Gale

Marmosets and Tamarins are the smallest of the new world monkeys. The family name Callitrichidae means "beautiful hair" and the name "Marmoset" comes from the French word "marmouset" which means "young monkey" and in some translations, "grotesque figure". The Callitrichidae family-look alike and have similar breeding habits, but it is their dentition that separates them into two genera. The canine teeth of the Tamarin are larger, protruding well above the incisors, unlike the Marmosets who have larger incisors.

IN THE WILD

Marmosets and Tamarins are typically forest dwelling creatures, chiefly inhabiting the secondary growth. A group normally comprises of a dominant breeding pair and two or more sets of offspring. They feed primarily on fruit, saps and gums, flowers, tree buds, insects, small amphibians, such as frogs, lizards and snails. Over a quarter of their activity time is taken up by foraging for food. This can be within the canopy of trees, or occasionally shifting debris on the forest floor searching for insects, lizards etc. The Geoffroy's Tufted-eared Marmoset and Tassel-eared Marmoset reportedly follow army ant swarms in order to catch the insects flushed from hiding by the ants. Grooming and scent marking is also a common daily occurrence. Marmosets and Tamarins are diurnal, active from dawn to dusk with little naps in between activities. The family group sleeps together in vine tangles, or holes in the trees.

Although territorial, Marmosets and Tamarins have been known to share a territory. Golden-headed Lion Tamarins and Wied's Tufted-eared Marmosets are an example of this. It seems likely that this behavior would benefit both species as a defense against predators. Their main predators are forest hawks, and an animal similar to a weasel, but larger, called a Tayra. Field studies have revealed that there is a higher survival rate of juveniles in groups consisting of two of more adult males.

BREEDING HABITS

Marmoset and Tamarins are monogamous and a deep bond develops between a breeding pair. As the female nears estrous, males will increase the frequency of associated behavior such as grooming and huddling. Usually both sexes rhythmically lip smack before mating. The Geoffroy's Tufted-eared Marmoset male coils his tail as a sexual display during copulation. During mating, the Common Marmoset female looks back over her shoulder and opens her mouth. Golden-handed Tamarins have been observed to mate up to a few hours of giving birth and two days after. Mating may be preceded by mock fighting and tonguing.