The Squirrel Monkey

Scientific Name: Saimiri sciureus

Year first observed: 1960’s

Order: Primates

Family: Cebidae

Genus: Simiri

Species: Sciureus

Squirrel Monkeys are commonly found in Central America Rain forests; such as Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil. A small population has been introduced to Southern Florida. These nonnative species prefer the rain forests, and can adapt to different kinds of rain forests. In South America this is the most common monkey. They have been extensively used for biomedical research in the past. Trade is now regulated, but they are used locally for food,bait, and pets. Most the squirrel monkeys live in the middle canopy, an average squirrel monkey lives about 30 meters off the ground, usually along rivers and streams. This allows them to access to their favorite foods. These monkeys like vegetation's which provides good cover from birds of prey like the rain forest, savannah, mangroves, or marshlands. Their diet consists of insects, spiders, bird eggs, young birds, fruits and nuts/ About 90% of the monkeys diet is made of soft tropical fruits. 

The average squirrel monkey is about 1 foot in length, their tail adds on another full foot. These monkeys weigh 1.5-2.5 lb. and are active during the daytime. Adult squirrel monkeys are not very big, they are about as big as a squirrel, 10-14 inches. Males are larger than females, their fur is short, thick, soft and brightly colored. The squirrel monkey has extremely smart/clever fingers which helps them climb through the trees as well as to investigate food and find hidden insects. The monkeys tail is longer than its body but this only helps its balance and its not greedy.

These nonnative species live in groups; this way when a predator attacks the pack of monkeys will kill the intruder. The squirrel monkeys main enemy is the eagle, because the eagles will soar down and pick the monkeys up. Porcupines and baboons are also enemies of monkeys.

       As these monkeys spread urine on the bottoms of their hands and feet, other monkeys can smell this as it marks their territory. In addition, they also present a musky glandular movement throughout their fur especially their tails, this scent will help other followers follow the troop as they go through the trees. This odor turns away hunters who might otherwise kill them for food. Squirrel monkeys move through the trees by leaping, they have thighs that are shorter to their lower legs; this allows more jumping force. Their communication skills are like other primates. Squirrel monkeys have a wide range of calls and body postures. Among their 26 calls are chirps and peeps to stay in touch as they explore. They squawk and purr during mating, and barking during anger. Squirrel monkeys are unchanging, they are usually quiet but will utter loud cries when alarmed. When they have a large group or clan of monkeys they are usually called bands, or troops. Occasionally troops as large as 500 have been seen in undisturbed forests. But usually they form troops of 2-30 monkeys that tend to frequently break up and rejoin. They only have a few males in a group.

Although not yet endangered the Common Squirrel Monkey is among many rain forest animals threatened by deforestation. The species has also been captured properly for the pet trade and for medical research. The status on squirrel monkeys is living upto 20 years.

http://www.oaklandzoo.org/animals/mammals/squirrel-monkey

http://www.edu.pe.ca/southernkings/sqmonkey.htm