Igrinka - a small monkey with large eyes. Brief description of the species

Secular ladies who lived in the XIX century, started as pets pet toys or marmosets. After reading this article, you will find out where these little monkeys with large eyes live and how they look .

Exterior Features

These miniature primates have an unusual color. The abdomen and legs of the animals are covered with dark yellow or orange hair. Above their bodies is hidden under a thick long fur of gray, golden or black hue. One of the distinguishing features that this monkey with big eyes has is white dashes on the face and nose. Also, it can be recognized by tail, decorated with black strips. Visually, males are practically no different from females.

Twenty-centimeter tail marmoset is slightly longer than the trunk itself. The forelimbs of these tiny animals are shorter than the rear. On all the fingers of the animal there are sharp claws.

Lifestyle and habitat

As well as the lemur, a small monkey with large eyes inhabits the tropical forests of South and Central America. Many species are found in the Amazon basin. Favorite places of residence marmorets are the river valleys, in which evergreen forests grow. In addition, they live on the outskirts of agricultural fields.

All gambling is a daily lifestyle. They live on trees, moving on them with the help of horizontal running through branches and jumps. Due to very small weight, this tiny monkey with big eyes is able to reach the very top of the crown. However, most often it climbs to a height not exceeding twenty meters above the ground. Marmosets are very territorial animals. They live in isolated groups, guarding their borders with sound signals and smell.

How do the toys multiply?

In natural conditions, all types of monkeys with large eyes are divided into small flocks of five to ten individuals. In each of the groups there must necessarily be a pair consisting of a male and a dominant female, as well as their young. Despite the ineffectual seasonality of reproduction, during one year one game can give birth to not more than two litters. The only individual producing babies is the dominant female.

The average duration of marmoset pregnancy is about 125 days. One miniature monkey with big eyes can give birth to not more than three cubs. Despite the fact that the female can feed all the babies, only one survives, as a rule. Education of the offspring is not only the mother, but the whole group. The lion's share of time is spent by the children in the society of the father and other members of the school. They protect babies from predators.

What does a miniature monkey with big eyes eat?

The basis of the diet of these animals is the juice of the rubber and grape tree. They eat small holes in them. Approximately 24 hours later, a sufficient number of resins are accumulated there. The structure of the digestive tract of the toy is slightly different from the rest of the primates. They have an elongated department of the caecum. This feature allows you to better digest heavy food.

About 20% of the diet marmoset are beetles, butterflies, ants and grasshoppers. Miniature animals catch them in the crowns of trees at a ten-meter height above the surface of the earth. Also marmosets do not refuse such treats as flowers, small birds, fruit and nectar. They look for fresh water on the leaves and shoots of plants.

Content in captivity

Marmosets are very fond of attention. They do not tolerate loneliness. To keep these animals, you must purchase a spacious cage in advance. Despite the miniature size, the toys are very jumping, so they should choose the appropriate housing, which would not limit their natural activity. To recreate the natural conditions, in the cage of the monkey you need to put strong branches. They are recommended to be located at different heights.

In countries with a warm climate, a cage with a pet can be placed on the street. In this case, it is advisable to purchase two houses at once. In those months when the air does not warm up to 25 degrees, you need to warm up the cage with special lamps.

In addition to the house, the monkey must have toys. Experts advise buying plastic products for them, safe for babies. Marmosets are very curious, they like to explore the surrounding space. Therefore, you need to be prepared for the fact that, having studied a new toy, the animal will lose all interest to it.

It is desirable to acquire not one, but several individuals at once. Igroynki, living with their relatives, feel much better. In addition, the animal, living alone, requires much more attention.

Marmosets need a well-balanced diet. Their menu should include eggs, insects, vegetables and fruits. You can also feed them with raw peeled shrimps and a sea cocktail.

Some interesting facts

Usually a small monkey with large eyes Gives birth to two young. The third is born in only 8% of cases. Survival of babies is only 67%. Marmozetok undesirable to keep in captivity, because they are very long for their relatives and often die from depression.

These miniature animals are able to jump a distance of about five meters. They keep their own weight with the help of sharp long claws. The head of the toy can rotate 180 degrees. They are quite sociable and capable of reproducing high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to human ears.