SQUIRREL
MONKEY
Saimiri sciureus
MAMMAL
Order Primata
Description
Short fur, usually yellow-green on
back and limbs. Underside, face, ears pale. Muzzle and tip of
tail black. Head + body length 9-14 in (male larger), tail length
14-18 in. 1-1.5 lb.
Range
Costa Rica to Panama plus north
and central South America
Status
Habitat conversion for farming is
a major threat to all habitats that support this species.
Ecology
- Habitat
- canopy level of tropical rain
forest trees from sea level to about 3000 ft.;
occasionally descends to the ground for food. Found in
both disturbed and mature forest and in cultivated areas,
usually along rivers and streams.
- FOOD
- Eats mostly insects and ripe
fruit, also nuts, flowers, buds, seeds, leaves and tree
gum or sap. Diurnal, usually found in groups of 30-40
(but may reach 100+) with several adult males &
females. Home range varies according to group size. Large
groups travel in an irregular way, depending upon clumped
food resources such as a large tree in fruit.
Life History
Several females in the group
produce a single young each year, with births seasonal and
synchronous. Gestation about 5.5 me. Infants are able to climb
from birth and the motlier's supporting role is less than with
other monkeys. Males take no part in rearing young, but other
females assist the mother. Life span (captivity) 9 yrs+.
Special Adaptations
- Short thighs and relatively
long forelegs allow more force to be developed in this
species' jumping mode of locomotion (<==see animation
at right).
- Large group size provides
safety in numbers: more eyes/ears lower chances of a
sneak attack by predators; large numbers make it more
difficult for larger monkeys (that live in smaller
groups) to chase squirrel monkeys out of a favored tree.
- Large group size provides
many eyes to search for food squirrel monkeys also
associate with other monkey species that have similar
food preferences, following them to forage ares.
- Extended family groups help
young adults learn how to raise offspring.
CONTENTS:
ADORABLE !ANGELS
CAPUCHINSMacaques
MARMOSETTS
MEMBERS MINDYS STORYNEWSLETTERPLACES
PROJECT SUMMARY:SPIDER MONKEYS
HOMEMISSION
Linda
Barcklay
