Pygmy marmoset
Callithrix pygmaea
CONSERVATION STATUS
CITES: Appendix II
(http://www.cites.org)
IUCN Red List: Least concern
(http://www.redlist.org)
Photo: Allen M. Aisenstein
According to the IUCN Red List, the pygmy marmoset is classified as a
species of least concern (LC); they are widespread and abundant and do not
qualify for any of the other categories of threat. Though they are not
in danger of going extinct, the export and international trade of pygmy
marmosets is regulated by CITES.
Among the most common of the callitrichines,
pygmy marmosets are not
threatened because of their high reproductive rate and the ability to
exist in edge or
disturbed habitats. In parts of their range, habitat destruction is rampant,
but has not affected their numbers. Because of their small body size, they are
sometimes trapped and sold as pets (de la Torre et al. 2000). One study by de
la Torre et al. showed that pygmy marmosets in areas heavily frequented by tourists
had some changes in their behavior compared to those living in remote areas (2000).
Groups that came in contact with high levels of ecotourists used larger home
ranges, .99 ha compared to .6 ha, on average, used higher forest strata, and
showed decreased levels of play. There is also some concern that frequent contact
with tourists results in long-term reproductive capability of groups. Changes
in behavior and reproductive potential caused by human influence may cause
serious threats to the long-term viability of the pygmy marmoset population.
One way to decrease both habitat destruction and human-caused population decreases
is to focus on environmental education. In 2003, such a program was started
by Stella de la Torre and her colleagues for children in Ecuador . The curriculum
focused on explaining the research they were conducting, explaining basic ecological
and behavioral facts about pygmy marmosets, and used games and crafts to illuminate
the importance of preserving primates in general, specifically the pygmy marmosets
in Ecuador (de la Torre & Yépez 2003). This program is continuing
today and is one way to increase awareness of the pygmy marmoset in local communities.
LINKS TO MORE ABOUT CONSERVATION
CONSERVATION INFORMATION
CONSERVATION NEWS
ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN Callithrix pygmaea CONSERVATION
Content last modified: June 30, 2005
Written by Kristina Cawthon Lang. Reviewed by Stella de la Torre.
Cite this page as:
Cawthon Lang KA. 2005 June 30. Primate Factsheets: Pygmy marmoset (Callithrix pygmaea) Conservation. <http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/pygmy_marmoset/cons>. Accessed 2008 July 4.
