Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

​Date Published: February 2012

Assessment Summary

Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are small, Old World monkeys that are native to northeast Brazil. The species has established outside its native range following introduction into the Brazilian states of Bahia, Espirito Santo, Parana, Rio de Janeiro, Santo Catarina, Sao Paulo and Sergipe; and Buenos Aires in Argentina. No major impacts of establishment have been noted.

Common Marmosets are unlikely to establish in Tasmania. Climate modelling indicates that Tasmania has a highly dissimilar climate which would not readily support this species.

Common Marmosets are listed as 'Least Concern' under the IUCN Red List. The species is relatively widely distributed, adaptable, and occurs in a number of protected areas. Common Marmosets are commonly used in biomedical research in Europe and the United States of America.

As primates, Common Marmosets are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The trade of this species is controlled under this convention.

Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Common Marmosets are listed as 'specimens taken to be suitable for live import' and require a permit to import under this Act. Eligible imports are for non-commercial purposes only (i.e. zoos) and exclude household pets.

In Tasmania, Common Marmosets are 'controlled animals' under the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002.

The species is classed as an 'extreme' threat under the Vertebrate Pest Committee's list of exotic animals. The assessment notes that the species is kept in some private zoos and approval has been given for breeding according to breeding management plans.

Following the initial risk assessment, the Department considers permitting the importation of animals assessed as ‘moderate risk’ into the State as long as appropriate mitigation measures, enforced through a wildlife exhibition licence, can be identified and applied. 

Mitigation options to reduce the risk associated with importing Common marmoset include: 

  1. Limiting importation to registered wildlife parks or zoos to ensure the holding facility meets the stringent keeping standards​ Tasmania applies to all institutions.
  2. Requiring any wildlife park or zoo to submit a  Common marmoset​ species management plan (including enclosure details) prior to import.
  3. The wildlife exhibition facility can clearly demonstrate they have proficient keepers for that particular species.​



Assessment Documentation

  Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)   (1Mb)

Contact

Wildlife Services

GPO Box 44,
HOBART, TAS, 7001.