Pygmy marmoset
Pygmy marmoset[1][2] | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Primates |
Suborder: | Haplorhini |
Infraorder: | Simiiformes |
Family: | Callitrichidae |
Genus: | Cebuella J. E. Gray, 1866 |
Species | |
|
Pygmy marmosets are two
About 83% of the pygmy marmoset population lives in stable troops of two to nine individuals, including a dominant male, a breeding female, and up to four successive litters of offspring. The modal size of a standard stable troop would be six individuals.[3] Although most groups consist of family members, some may also include one or two additional adult members. Members of the group communicate using a complex system including vocal, chemical, and visual signals. Three main calling signals depend on the distance the call needs to travel. These monkeys may also make visual displays when threatened or to show dominance. Chemical signaling using secretions from glands on the chest and genital area allow the female to indicate to the male when she is able to reproduce. The female gives birth to twins twice a year and the parental care is shared between the group.
The pygmy marmoset has been viewed as somewhat different from typical marmosets, most of which are classified in the genera Callithrix (where they were placed in a subgenus)[1] and Mico, and thus is accorded its own genus, Cebuella, within the family Callitrichidae. Their biggest threats are habitat loss and the pet trade.[4]
Evolution and taxonomy
Debate has arisen among primatologists concerning the proper genus in which to place the pygmy marmoset. An examination of the interstitial
The two species described of the pygmy marmoset are:[1][2]
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Western pygmy marmoset | Cebuella pygmaea (Spix, 1823) |
Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru | Size: Habitat: Diet: |
VU
|
Southern whitetip | Cebuella niveiventris Lönnberg, 1940 |
Peru, Brazil, Ecuador and Bolivia. | Size: Habitat: Diet: |
VU
|
Few morphological differences occur between these species, as they may only differ slightly in color, and they are only separated by geographical barriers, including large rivers in South America.[7]
The evolution of this genus diverged in terms of body mass from typical primates, with a high rate of body-mass reduction. This involves large decreases in prenatal and postnatal growth rates, furthering the thought that progenesis played a role in the evolution of this animal.[8]
Physical description
Pygmy marmosets are the smallest true monkey, with a head-body length ranging from 117 to 152 mm (4.6 to 6.0 in) and a tail of 172 to 229 mm (6.8 to 9.0 in). The average adult body weight is just over 100 g (3.5 oz) with the only sexual dimorphism of females being a little heavier.
Ecology
Geographic range and habitat
Pygmy marmosets can be found in much of the western
Diet
These monkeys have a specialized diet of tree
Pygmy marmosets have adapted insect-like claws, known as tegulae, to engage in a high degree of claw-clinging behaviors associated with plant exudate exploitation.[15] Claw-clinging is primarily used during feeding, but also during plant exudate foraging.[13]
Behaviour
A pygmy marmoset group, ranging from two to nine members, contains one or two adult males and one or two adult females, including a single breeding female and her offspring.
Social systems
Infant pygmy marmosets, along with their parents, twins, and other siblings, form co-operative care groups. Babbling, or vocalizing, by the infant marmoset is a key part of its relationships with its family members and is a major part of its development. As the infant develops, the babbling gradually changes to resemble and eventually become adult vocalization. Many similarities are seen between the development of vocalization in infant pygmy marmosets and speech in infant humans. Vocalizing gives the infant advantages, such as increased care, and allows the entire family to coordinate their activities without seeing each other.[21]
Siblings also participate in infant care. Infant marmosets require the most attention, so having more family members participating in the care decreases the cost for any individual and also teaches parenting skills to the juvenile marmosets. Members of the group, usually female, may even put off their own reproduction through a temporary cessation of ovulation to care for the offspring of others in the group. The ideal number of caregivers for an infant marmoset has been shown to be around five individuals. Caregivers are responsible for finding food for the infants and helping the father watch for predators.[22]
Pygmy marmosets are not seasonal breeders and usually give birth to twins once or twice a year.[23] Single births, however, occur in 16% and triplet births occur in 8% of pregnancies.[17] The pygmy marmoset is usually monogamous, though some variation happens within the species in terms of breeding systems. Polyandry also occurs, as male marmosets are responsible for carrying the infants on their backs. Having a second male to carry the offspring can be beneficial, as marmoset litters are often twins and this decreases the physiological cost to any particular male. The daily range of pygmy marmosets, however, is relatively small, which decreases the rate of polyandry.[24]
Male and female pygmy marmosets show differences in foraging and feeding behavior, although male and female dominance and aggressive behavior vary within the species. Males have less time to search out food sources and forage due to the constraints of their infant-caring responsibilities and predator vigilance. Without an infant to carry, female pygmy marmosets have greater freedom to forage, giving them an apparent feeding priority, which may serve to compensate mothers for the energetic costs of carrying and lactating for two offspring at a time. Since breeding priority is also given to females without offspring, the argument is weakened. Instead, female feeding priority may have evolved through sexual selection. Females may choose mates that invest more time in infant care and predator vigilance. Such males have less time to look for food, allowing the female feeding priority.[25]
Communication
Pygmy marmosets are well known for their communication abilities, including an intricate system of calls. The trill is used during feeding, foraging, and when travelling and the group is close together. The J-call is a series of fast notes repeated by the caller and is used at medium distances. Both calls are used as
Environmental factors play a role in communication by affecting the frequency of the signal and how far the signal can travel and still be audible to communicate the desired message. Since pygmy marmosets are often found in the rain forest, plant life and the humid atmosphere add to the normal absorption and scattering of sound. Because low-frequency calls are affected less by the disturbances than high-frequency ones, they are used for communication across longer distances.[19] The pygmy marmoset changes the characteristics of its calls when its social environment is changed. Adult marmosets show modifications in the structure of their calls, which mimic those of their group members. In addition to changes of existing calls, novel calls may be heard from marmosets after pairing.[26]
Pygmy marmosets have other ways to communicate information about matters such as a female's ovulatory state. New World monkeys do not show
Conservation
Both species of pygmy marmosets are listed as
As pets
Finger monkeys' (pygmy marmoset) value is associated with their being the smallest primate in the world.[34] Although these primates are not in danger of extinction, they are rare to find in the market for purchase. Prices range from $1,000 to $4,000.[34] Generally, a pygmy marmoset's lifespan is 15 to 20 years; they are known to have a shorter life in the wild mainly because they fall out of trees.[35]
Another expense for these creatures as pets is the necessary essentials to maintain them. Creating an environment similar to where they are from is important.[36] For food, these creatures as pets are often fed fruits, insects, and smaller lizards.[37] As pets, a baby pygmy marmoset needs to be fed every two hours for at least two weeks.[34] Understanding their natural diet is also important because it helps maintain their good health from the necessary protein, calcium, and other nutrients they need to survive.
In the United States, each state has different regulations for owning one of these creatures.[34] Another factor that needs to be considered is that a regular veterinarian might not be able to help provide medical evaluations or care; one would need to seek out a veterinarian with a primate specialization.[35] In South America, either importing or exporting these creatures is illegal. Understanding the laws within those countries is important when considering owning or taking care of a pygmy marmoset. Many people do not agree that pygmy marmosets should be pets.[36] The argument is usually that they have a longer lifespan when they are in good care from a human.[37] However, the UK RSPCA says they should "not be considered as pets in the accepted sense of the word. They are wild, undomesticated animals that cannot be house trained or fully tamed".[38]
In popular culture
- Fingerlings, the hit toy of Christmas 2017 produced by WowWee, is based on pygmy marmosets.[39]
See also
References
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- ^ a b Kinzey, W. G. (1997). "Synopsis of New World primates (16 genera)". In Kinzey, W. G. (ed.). New World Primates: Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior. New York: Aldine De Gruyter. pp. 169–324.
- ^ a b Sussman, R. W. (2000). Primate Ecology and Social Structure. Vol. 2: New World Monkeys. Needham Heights, MA: Pearson Custom Publishing.
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- ^ Lang, Kristina Cawthon. "Primate Factsheets: Pygmy marmoset (Callithrix pygmaea) Taxonomy, Morphology, & Ecology". Retrieved 24 September 2013.
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- ^ Snowdon, C. T.; Ziegler, T. E. (2007). "Growing up cooperatively: Family processes and infant care in marmosets and tamarins" (PDF). The Journal of Developmental Processes. 2 (1): 40–66. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
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- ISBN 978-1-4443-9845-8. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
- ^ Bicca-Marques, J. C. (2003). "Sexual selection and the evolution of foraging behavior in male and female tamarins and marmosets" (PDF). In Jones, C. (ed.). Sexual Selection and Reproductive Competition in Primates: New Perspectives and Directions. Norman, OK: American Society of Primatologists. pp. 455–475.
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- ^ Suddath, Claire (3 January 2011). "Pygmy Marmosets". Time.com. Retrieved 26 September 2013.
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- ^ "Pygmy Marmoset". San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance | Animals & Plants. Retrieved 26 September 2013.
- ^ a b c d Douglas, Long. "How Much Does a Finger Monkey Cost?". FingerMonkey.us. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
- ^ a b Kulwant, Singh. "Finger Monkey: Information, Fact and Cost of keeping". loyfly. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
- ^ a b Ben, Garrod (28 February 2016). "No more monkey business: why primates should never be pets". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
- ^ a b National Primate Research Center. "Primates as Pets". Primate Info Net. University of Wisconsin. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
- ^ "Primates kept as pets | rspca.org.uk". RSPCA. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
- ^ Corkery, Michael (9 December 2017). "How the Fingerling Caught On (Robot Grip and All) as 2017's Hot Toy". The New York Times.