Squirrel Monkey

squirrel monkeys on a limb

Squirrel Monkey

Saimiri sciureus
Class

Mammalia

Order

Primates

Family

Cebidae

Range

Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela

Size

Body Length: 10.25 - 14.25 in
Tail Length: 14 - 17 in
Weight: 0.66 - 2.2.5 lbs

Habitat

Tropical rainforest, tropical dry forest

Young

1, Gestation: 160 -170 days

Diet

Insects, berries, fruits, snails, vegetation, birds, eggs

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Squirrel monkeys have the proportionately largest brain of all primates.

Their brain to body mass ratio of 1-to-17. (Humans have a 1-to-35 ratio.)

squirrel monkey on a limb close up

Social Structure

Squirrel monkeys live in large groups, subdivided into adult male bands, mother-and-infant bands, and juveniles, except during the mating season. The are active during the day and rarely decend to the ground.

squirrel monkey on a limb

Locomotion

Their tail is not prehensile, but used for balance when traveling and feeding. They are excellent climbers and leapers and can travel long distances through the forest running along and leaping between branches.

squirrel monkey close up

Breeding Season

Males double their body size during breeding season. Squirrel monkeys mate between September and November.

squirrel monkey on grass
squirrel monkey on a limb

Status

The biggest threat to all squirrel monkeys is the loss and fragmentation of their rainforest habitat in Central and South America. This is primarily caused by deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urbanization.

Squirrel monkeys, due to their small size and "cute" appearance, are popular in the illegal pet trade.