In the Wild

Follow wild common marmosets through their day from waking to sleeping in this video. Natural adaptations of common marmosets are highlighted with suggestions as to how these may be catered for in captivity.

Time is spent gouging for gum and foraging for insects, interspersed with bouts of resting and grooming. A near-constant lookout is maintained to detect potential predators. Twin babies are cared for by all members of the family group. Marmosets are skilled at moving through the branches, both with or without infants on their back. Occasionally the babies leave their carriers’ backs to explore and play.

This footage was taken, with assistance from Ana Karinne, at a long-term field site in Brazil, run by Dr Maria Fátima Arruda and Prof Arrilton Araújo, of the Federal University Rio Norte.

Gallery

Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Marmosets are adept at moving through the forest with infants on their back

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Marmosets remain alert even at rest.

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

All members of the group take turns to carry the infants

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Marmosets are weaned later in the wild than they are in captivity

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Copyright © A. Karinne

Marmosets collectively surround an opossum. Piloerection indicates aggression and anxiety, even though it is not a predator

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Wild marmosets spend time resting and socialising together

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Marmosets gouge trees to feed on gum. Providing branches and gum is really important in captivity

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Infants leave their carriers’ backs to explore the environment

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Infants leave their carriers’ backs to explore the environment

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Copyright © A. Karinne

Infants leave their carriers’ backs to explore the environment

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Copyright © A. Karinne

Marmosets leap over huge distances in the forest

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Adults keep a careful eye on infants as they explore on their own

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Even while resting marmosets keep an eye on their surroundings

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Copyright © A. Karinne

Marmosets rest in between bouts of foraging and feeding

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Marmosets relax and rest a number of times throughout their day

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

All members of the group take turns to carry the infants

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Calling is vital for keeping track of other group members in the dense forest environment

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Marmosets cling vertically to tree trunks using their claw-like nails

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Group members take turns at babysitting the infants

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Copyright © A. Karinne

Social grooming is important for bonding

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Marmosets cling vertically to tree trunks using their claw-like nails

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Wild marmosets spend lots of time allogrooming

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Looking after infants in this environment requires strength and agility

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Copyright © A. Karinne

Social grooming is an important social behaviour. Captive marmosets need large flat perches to allow grooming

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

A group of marmosets often feed on the same tree making multiple gouge marks

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Copyright © A. Karinne

Wild marmosets gnaw trees for gum, a source of energy-rich food

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Wild marmosets feed on flowers and nectar.

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

A marmoset rests in the slob/flop position on a branch.

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

All members of a family group cooperate to raise the young

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Infants leave their carriers’ backs to explore the environment

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Copyright © A. Karinne

Marmosets can reach fruit by hanging upside down by their feet

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Marmosets scan their surroundings for predators

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Copyright © A. Karinne

Marmosets cling vertically to tree trunks using their claw-like nails

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Copyright © H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Before disk, a marmoset rests before retiring to sleep in a huddle high in the trees

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