Voo Doo Monkey Boy

This New World Monkey is trying to get to Central America...specifically the jungles of Panama. He doesn't have a preference of exactly where he'd like to reside, so choose a nice spot without a lot of predators or muggles. He could live in the jungles of Central and South America forever!

Be sure to take pictures and upload them to Voo Doo Monkey Boy's page!

New World Monkeys

 

New World monkeys are limited to tropical forest environments of southern Mexico, Central, and South America.  All of these monkeysare predominantly arboreal and mostly herbivorous. They eat leaves, fruits, nuts, gums, and occasional small prey such as insects.  Today, there are at least 53 species commonly divided into two families--Cebidae  and Callitricidae .

  Cotton-top tamarin Pygmy marmoset

The Callitricidae consist of marmosets  and tamarins .  They range in weight from only 5 to 32 oz. (140-900 g.), but their thick fur and long tails deceptively make them look larger and heavier.  The marmosets are the smallest of all monkey species.  Both marmosets and tamarins are considered to be the most primitive monkeys because of their anatomical and reproductive characteristics. Their thumbs are not opposable.  They have claws on all digits except for their big toes, which have nails.  They do not have prehensile tails.  They also lack the ability to change their facial expressions.  Twin births are common.  All other primate species usually give birth to only one child at a time.  In addition, marmoset and tamarin infants are usually carried on their father's back and are generally only passed over to their mother for nursing.  Apparently, marmosets are unable to maintain a very stable core body temperature.  It can vary as much as 8.5º F. (4º C.) over a day.  Fortunately for them, they live in warm forest environments that fluctuate little in temperature.