Silvery marmoset

Description

These animals are small primates with dark skin except the tail, which is a greyish pink colour. The entire body is covered with short white hair except the ears, which have no hair. They become darker with age due to grooming techniques. They have powerful narrow fangs with which they scratch tree barks. 

Ethology

They are diurnal primates that are mainly active in the treetops. They live in groups of 6-10 individuals led by a dominant female. The female is the only breeder, as she emits pheromones that inhibit ovulation in the rest of the females in the group. 

Interesting facts

Their main threat is loss of habitat due to the construction of roads and intensification of agriculture and livestock breeding within their area of distribution. Their populations have fragmented and signs of endogamy have begun to appear as they reproduce only within members of the same family group. They are also victims of illegal trafficking of exotic species.