Pygmy marmosets have now returned to the island in Tropical World.

The two youngsters were previously living opposite the fossas. You can now see a family of four golden-headed lion tamarins in this enclosure.

Pygmy marmosets are currently listed as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. They are native to South America, and can be typically found living in the rainforests of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. They prefer low secondary growth along streams where cover is thick, visibility is good and insects abundant. They are active during the day, particularly morning and late afternoon, and at night they sleep in holes in the trees. They move using all four feet, running along the branches.

At just 4.2 - 4.9 oz (120 - 140 grams), pygmy marmosets are one of the smallest primates, and are the smallest true monkey. They use a variety of sounds, including a trill for communicating over distance, a high sharp warning whistle and a clicking sound for threats. They feed mainly on the sap or gum from trees, and have specially adapted teeth for gouging holes in the trees to make the sap flow. They also eat fruit, buds and insects.

29th September 2009