The Marmoset Monkey Page

Grooming

 

· Grooming is a very important behaviour among all primates. Marmosets, like other primates, groom each other (allogrooming) and themselves (self grooming). Grooming serves two functions:

· Hygienic grooming allows primates to remove dead skin, debris, and parasites living on the skin.

· Social grooming is an important form of social contact. It helps to strengthen and form social bonds among group members and may even be used to ease tense interactions.

· Common marmosets groom frequently. However, each episode usually lasts for a few minutes.

· In addition to grooming, other types of social contact are important for common marmosets. They may often be seen nuzzling, hugging, licking or huddling with one another.