Callithrix penicillata (\'c9. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1812)

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Black-pencilled marmosets are vulnerable to a wide range of both terrestrial and aerial predators. Aerial predators, large raptors, are considered the marmosets greatest threat, but they are also preyed upon by a variety of snakes and wild cats. Black-pencilled marmosets use a series of predator-specific vocalizations as well as visual scanning in their antipredation strategies.

Known Predators:

  • diurnal birds of prey (Falconiformes)
  • snakes (Serpentes)
  • cats (Felidae)
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The communication of black-pencilled marmosets has not been fully studied, however, it is believed that they communicate mostly through vocalizations. They appear to have predator-specific cries when they are threatened and have many vocalizations in addition to predator warnings. Black-pencilled marmosets also use scent marking, though it is unclear whether this is a form of communication, as many different family groups simply ignore the markings that another family group has left.

Communication Channels: acoustic ; chemical

Other Communication Modes: scent marks

Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical

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The life-span of a wild black-pencilled marmoset is unknown, however the average lifespan in captivity is 15 years.

Average lifespan
Status: captivity: 15 years.

Average lifespan
Status: captivity: 15.4 years.

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Lifespan, longevity, and ageing:

Maximum longevity: 15.4 years (captivity)

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Reproduction:

Black-pencilled marmosets are monogamous and typically live in family groups which include the reproducing couple and their offspring.

Mating System: monogamous

Black-pencilled marmosets breed twice a year and produce between 1 and 4 offspring, however they generally have twins. The gestation period is 150 days and offspring wean at about 8 weeks. The marmosets reach sexual maturity at approximately 18 months old. However, they typically mate very late.

Breeding interval: Black-pencilled marmosets usually breed twice a year

Range number of offspring: 1 to 4.

Average number of offspring: 2, twins.

Average gestation period: 150 days.

Average weaning age: 8 weeks.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 13 to 20 months.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 18 months.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 13 to 20 months.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 18 months.

Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization ; viviparous

Average number of offspring: 2.

There is considerable parental investment by both parents; infants are extremely dependent on their parents. The offspring are raised with the aid of other juvenile siblings. Offspring are weaned at 8 weeks and then taught to search for food.

Parental Investment: pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Male, Female, Protecting: Male, Female); pre-independence (Provisioning: Male, Female, Protecting: Male, Female); post-independence association with parents; extended period of juvenile learning; inherits maternal/paternal territory

  • Miranda, G., D. Faria. 2001. Ecological Aspects of Black-Pincelled Marmoset (Callithix penicillata) in the Cerradao and Dense Cerradao of the Brazilian Central Plateau. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 61/3: 397-404.
  • Guerra, R., E. Takase, C. Santos. 1998. Cross-fostering between two species of marmosets (Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata). Revista Brasileira de Biologia, 58/4: 665-669.
  • Rosenberg, S. 2004. "PENICILLATA MARMOSET: (Callithrix Penicillata)" (On-line). Accessed March 31, 2004 at http://monkeyneeds.com/penicillata_marmoset.htm.
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Black-pencilled marmosets have no special status with the IUCN Red List or the Unites States Endangered Species Act List. They are listed in Appendix II of CITES and are not currently considered an endangered or threatened species.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: appendix ii

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

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IUCN Red List Assessment:
Red List Category

LC
Least Concern

Red List Criteria

Version

3.1

Year Assessed

2008

Assessor/s

Rylands, A.B. & Mendes, S.L.

Reviewer/s

Mittermeier, R.A. & Rylands, A.B. (Primate Red List Authority)

Contributor/s

Justification

This species is listed as Least Concern due to its large increasing populations, adaptability to disturbed habitat, and large distribution range. These species were common in the pet trade and have been released from captivity in many areas outside of their previous range - often hybridizing with native Callithrix.

History

  • 2003
    Least Concern
    (IUCN 2003)
  • 2003
    Least Concern
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Population:

Population

There are no recorded population densities.

Population Trend

Increasing
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Threats:

Major Threats

This is an adaptable, widespread species, which has been introduced in a number of regions in Brazil (for example, Espírito Santo, Paraná, São Paulo and Santa Catarina), and is considered a competitor, displacing native species. However, as with C. jacchus, although widespread and hardy, and able to survive in extremely degraded habitats, populations of this species have disappeared or are declining in many parts of its range. Hunted for pets.
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Black-pencilled marmosets are found in the Neo-tropical gallery forests of the Brazilian Central Plateau. They live along the Brazillian coast ranging from Bahia to Sao Paulo, and as far inland as Goias, between 14 and 17 degrees S.

Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )

  • Elliot, D. 1913. A Review of The Primates. New York: American Museum of Natural History.
  • Miranda, G., D. Faria. 2001. Ecological Aspects of Black-Pincelled Marmoset (Callithix penicillata) in the Cerradao and Dense Cerradao of the Brazilian Central Plateau. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 61/3: 397-404.
  • Boudet, C. 2004. "Mammal's Planet" (On-line). Accessed March 30, 2004 at http://www.mammals-planet.org/index_select.php?.
Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
Rights holder/Author©1995-2013, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
Sourcehttp://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Callithrix_penicillata/
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith