A small and captivating primate native to the forests and savannahs of central Brazil. This species is known for its playful nature and striking appearance, making it one of the more distinctive and easily recognized marmosets.

One of the most noticeable features of the black-tufted marmoset is its black tufts of hair around the ears, which contrast sharply with its predominantly gray and white body fur. Its tail is ringed with black and white and is longer than its body, aiding in balance as it nimbly navigates the tree branches of its habitat. The marmoset’s face is adorned with a further touch of black fur that highlights its expressive brown eyes, which are large and alert, reflecting its keen sense of vision, which is crucial for spotting predators and prey.

This marmoset species is particularly small, but despite its diminutive size, it is an agile and robust animal, capable of leaping great distances between branches. Its diet is varied and includes insects, fruit, and tree sap, the latter of which it obtains by gnawing holes into tree bark with its sharp teeth. This not only feeds the marmoset but also benefits other sap-loving species of the forest.

The social structure of the black-tufted marmoset is deeply communal. These animals live in groups typically comprising 2 to 14 individuals, often a family unit with a dominant breeding pair and their offspring across several generations. Social interactions within the group are complex, involving grooming and vocal communications, which reinforce social bonds and hierarchies. These marmosets are known for their high-pitched calls, which can be heard echoing through the forest as they communicate with each other about food sources or potential threats.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Brazil

>10,000

Official estimate

LC

2015