Goeldi's monkey

Callimico goeldii

Irish Name: Moncaí Goeldi
IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Goeldi’s monkeys are small monkeys with thick, soft fur that is dark brown/black in colour. They also have a mane of longer hair around their neck that covers their ears.Their tail is longer than their head and body but it is not prehensile (capable of grasping things) like many other monkeys.

Goeldi's monkey

Callimico goeldii

Irish Name: Moncaí Goeldi
IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Goeldi’s monkeys are small monkeys with thick, soft fur that is dark brown/black in colour. They also have a mane of longer hair around their neck that covers their ears.Their tail is longer than their head and body but it is not prehensile (capable of grasping things) like many other monkeys.

General Information

Where do they live? (Natural habitat)

Goeldi’s monkeys are found in rainforests in Brazil, Peru, Columbia and Bolivia. They are usually found at lower levels of the forest (the understorey) rather than higher in the trees.

How long do they live?

Unknown in the wild and up to 20 years in zoos.

What do they eat?

Goeldi’s monkeys are omnivores (eat plants and meat). They eat fruit, insects, spiders, fungi and tree sap. Fungi is a particularly important part of their diet, especially when food is scarce in the dry season. They also eat frogs, lizards, toads and bird eggs.

Zoo location

South American House

Closest related species / sister species

Their closest relatives are marmosets and tamarins.

Animal class

Mammalia

Animal order

Primates

Fun facts

Caregiving

For the first 2-3 weeks of an infant’s life, the mother carries them and is the primary caregiver. After this, the father and other members of the group can help carry the infants too.

Communcation

Goeldi’s monkeys communicate using scent, facial and body language and vocalisations. They can make up to 40 different vocalisations, which vary depending on the situation and include both long and short distance calls. The long distance calls help them maintain contact with other members of their group even from a distance.

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Family Life

Goeldi’s monkeys live in groups usually made up of a breeding pair and other family members. These family groups can consist of up to 10 individuals. They also live and travel with tamarins and marmosets for safety and to locate food.
Their day is spent feeding, foraging, grooming and resting. They like to sleep close together in hollow trees or in vegetation.

Baby name

Infant

Gestation (pregnancy) period

Approximately 5 months

Number of young at birth

1

Weight at birth

30-60 g

Age at maturity

14 months

Size adult

Approximately 20-25cm in height and 350-600g in weight

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Conservation

Vulnerable

The Goeldi’s monkey is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Current population estimate

Unknown as they are difficult to observe in the wild. However, it is believed their population is declining.

Threats

Habitat loss and habitat fragmentation (breaking up of their habitat) due to deforestation for building and agriculture. They are also affected by poaching to be sold illegally as pets.

What is Dublin Zoo doing?

Dublin Zoo coordinates the European breeding programme for Goeldi’s monkeys across European zoos.

A studbook keeper within Dublin Zoo manages the information on this species in a breeding programme and decides with the help of genetic data, which individuals they think would make a good pair. This means that animals from different zoos are matched up with the most suitable partners to ensure they have the healthiest young possible.

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FAQs

  • Are Goeldi’s monkeys primates?

    Yes, they are small primates.

  • Where do Goeldi’s monkeys live?

    Goeldi’s monkeys are found in rainforests in Brazil, Peru, Columbia and Bolivia. They are usually found at lower levels of the forest (the understorey) rather than higher in the trees.

  • What do Goeldi’s monkeys eat?

    Goeldi’s monkeys are omnivores (eat plants and meat). They eat fruit, insects, spiders, fungi and tree sap. Fungi is a particularly important part of their diet, especially when food is scarce in the dry season. They also eat frogs, lizards, toads and bird eggs.

  • Are Goeldi’s monkeys endangered?

    They are not endangered but are classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This is due to deforestation and the illegal pet trade.

  • What are Goeldi’s monkeys related to?

    They are related to marmosets and tamarins.

  • Do Goeldi’s monkeys have prehensile tails?

    They do have tails, but they are not prehensile.

  • Are Goeldi’s monkeys New World or Old World monkeys?

    They are New World monkeys.

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