The pygmy marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea), considered the smallest monkey in the world, is in danger of extinction. With a size that does not exceed 15 centimeters and a weight of just 100 grams, this tiny species moves with agility among the branches of South American forests. However, its existence is threatened by the destruction of its habitat and the expansion of human activities in the Amazon basin.
The pygmy marmoset stands out not only for its size but also for its unique behavior. Its diet is based on tree resin, supplemented with insects and fruits. It lives in family groups of approximately six individuals, where the upbringing of the young is a shared responsibility among parents and older siblings. Additionally, it has a sophisticated communication system that includes chirps and whistles used to alert dangers or interact with its group.
Each community of pygmy marmosets develops its own “dialect”, with variations in the sounds they use to communicate. During their first months of life, the young emit sounds similar to human babbling, allowing them to learn the linguistic patterns of their social group.
Increasing Threats
The habitat of the pygmy marmoset is found in the gallery forests bordering the Amazon rivers. However, these ecosystems are being degraded by deforestation, the expansion of agriculture, and the extraction of natural resources. Tree felling for urbanization and livestock farming is reducing their vital space, forcing them to move to less suitable areas for their survival.
Another concerning factor is oil exploitation in protected regions, such as the Yasuní National Park in Ecuador. Despite being a conservation area, extractive activities fragmented the ecosystem, severely affecting the local fauna. Moreover, poaching and wildlife trafficking also represent a looming threat.
A Declining Population
Recent studies have revealed a dramatic decrease in pygmy marmoset populations. Research conducted in the Tiputini River, Ecuador, shows that in the last decade, the number of identified groups dropped from seven to one. The sudden disappearance of these primates could be related to diseases transmitted by humans, such as yellow fever, dengue, and even COVID-19.
The lack of precise information about their population status hinders the implementation of conservation strategies. While in Ecuador the pygmy marmoset is already classified as an endangered species, in other countries like Peru, Brazil, and Colombia, its status remains uncertain.
The future of this small primate depends on urgent actions to protect its habitat and regulate human activities in the region. Without concrete measures, the pygmy marmoset could become one of the many species that disappear due to the impact of human activity on natural ecosystems.
Some Curiosities About the Pygmy Marmoset
The pygmy marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea) is the smallest primate in the world. It is native to the jungles of the Amazon and is also known as the pocket monkey.
Curiosities of the Pygmy Marmoset
- Its body measures between 14 and 16 centimeters (without the tail) and weighs around 140 grams.
- Its fur is thin, soft, and dense, ranging from gray to brown with some yellow and black tones.
- It lives in small family groups of five to nine members.
- It feeds mainly on tree sap, supplemented with fruits, nectar, and small insects.
- To obtain sap, it pierces the bark of trees with its sharp incisors in a sawing motion.
- It uses scent to mark its territory and attract mates.
- It is a very expressive animal that communicates and conveys emotions by moving its eyes, lips, and eyelids.
- It faces threats such as habitat loss and illegal trafficking.
The pygmy marmoset is an opportunistic hunting animal that evaluates if something is a viable prey.
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