Finger Monkeys: The Smallest Monkeys In The World Are Tiny, Chatty, And Adorable

There’s no getting away from the fact that finger monkeys are downright adorable. These pint-sized primates are the smallest monkeys in the world and are also known as pygmy marmosets.

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Where do finger monkeys live?

There are two species of finger monkey: the northern pygmy marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea), and the eastern pygmy marmoset (Cebuella niveiventris). They live in the Amazon basin in Brazil and across into Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru. They prefer a habitat of forest near a river's edge and travel in the thicker vegetation of the understory. Marmosets are very vocal and have all sorts of different calls to communicate with each other through the dense forest. 

How big are finger monkeys?

These tiny monkeys measure only 12 to 16 centimeters (4.6 to 6.2 inches) and weigh just 85 to 140 grams (3 to 5 ounces). They have orange-brown fur in a striped pattern known as agouti coloring. Their tails are longer than their bodies and help the marmosets keep their balance in the jungle.

What do finger monkeys eat?

The genus Cebuella is a gum-feeding specialist with adaptations that allow them to gnaw holes in trees to access the gum or tree sap. They will also eat small insects and fruits. 

Being so small the marmosets are prey for things like eagles, hawks, and snakes. They live in family groups of up to nine monkeys with one breeding pair; this helps protect them in the forest, as there are more members to spot any danger. 

The gestation period is around 4.5 months and the female often has twins. These new members of the family are cared for by the father and older siblings and are carried around on the backs of the adults. 

Are finger monkeys endangered?

According to the IUCN, both species are listed as Vulnerable to extinction. In fact the northern pygmy marmoset is thought to have reduced in population size by 30 percent in the last three generations due to decline in quality habitat from deforestation and direct hunting. The biggest threat to the species is deforestation for mining, oil extraction and palm oil plantations. They are also taken for the illegal pet trade.