Physical description
This tiny monkey has dense and silky fur, generally golden brown to grayish, scattered with orange or yellowish highlights. Its small and delicate face is surrounded by lighter hair, and its large bright eyes testify to its agility and curiosity. Its long and ringed tail can exceed the length of its body and is not prehensile, although it helps with its balance.
Size and weight
The Pygmy Marmoset measures only 12 to 16 cm long, not counting its tail which can reach 20 cm. It weighs on average 100 to 150 grams, making it a true lightweight among primates.
Habitat and distribution
It is found in the tropical forests of South America, mainly in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, where it inhabits the undergrowth and dense vegetation along watercourses. This monkey lives in small family groups composed of 2 to 6 individuals, led by a dominant breeding pair.
Diet
The Pygmy Marmoset is specialized in exploiting tree sap, which it extracts thanks to its sharp incisors. It also feeds on fruits, insects and nectar, but sap remains its main source of energy.
