Buffy-headed marmoset

Yellow-headed Büschelaffe ( Callithrix flaviceps )

The yellow-headed Büschelaffe or monkeys ( Callithrix flaviceps ) is a primate of the family of marmosets.

Features

Yellow-headed marmoset, like all marmosets relatively small primates, they reach a weight of approximately 400 grams. Their fur is colored predominantly black gray, the belly is slightly brighter, the long tail is curled black and gray. Her head is characterized by the orange - yellow hair on the top and on the cheeks, ears are whitish or yellow tuft of hair. Except for the dark circles around the eyes and nose, the face is colored mostly white. As with all marmosets are located on the fingers and toes (except the big toe ) claws instead of nails.

Distribution and habitat

Yellow-headed marmoset inhabit a small area in southeastern Brazil, their circulation area covers the south of Espírito Santo, southeastern Minas Gerais. Their habitat is the mountainous Atlantic coastal forests at altitudes of up to 1200 meters.

Lifestyle and diet

Yellow-headed marmoset, like all marmosets diurnal and arboreal, where they move quadrupedal or jumping. They spend their nights in tree hollows or other hiding places. These primates live in groups of 4 to 15 animals, which are usually led by a dominant pair.

Tree juices play an important role in the diet, although their teeth are less suitable for gnawing the bark than the other marmoset. Tree saps are primarily included if fruits and seeds, another important food that does not exist. In addition, they also eat insects and other small animals.

Reproduction

Normally, only the dominant female of a group propagates, ovulation of the other animals is suppressed. After a 140 - to 150 - day gestation, mostly twins are born. The father and the other group members participate actively in the rearing of the young, they carry them around, deal with them and leave them to the mother only for suckling. The reproductive rate is relatively high, five to eight months after birth, the female can throw again.

Threat

Yellow-headed marmoset inhabit a small area that is exposed to intense deforestation. The total population is estimated at fewer than 2,500 adult animals and is also highly fragmented, no single population comprises more than 250 animals. In addition, a portion of the area of ​​distribution lies in land in private ownership and thus the protection is not guaranteed. The IUCN lists the species as " critically endangered " ( endangered ).