ABSTRACT
Marmosets belong to one of four genera within the Callitrichidae family, with a total of 21 species, and are characterized by the production of twin offspring, female reproductive suppression, and cooperative infant care. Marmosets are relatively widespread in captivity, and their popularity in research is growing; the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports increasing demand for marmosets across NIH-sponsored facilities (NIH, 2018). The biomedical research fields in which these nonhuman primates (particularly common marmosets) are involved include immunology, neuroscience, reproductive biology, behavioral sciences, stem cell research, pharmacology, toxicology, and aging research. An understanding of marmoset ecology and behavior is essential to the care and housing of marmosets in the laboratory setting. Special attention to social housing, environmental complexity and enrichment, diet, and training is needed to promote species-typical behavior and best maintain their behavioral health.
