INTERESTING FACTS
Squirrel monkeys are one of the smallest species of primates and are known for their diminutive size and agile movements. They are native to Central and South America, and can be found in the rainforests of Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and other nearby countries. Squirrel monkeys are highly social animals and live in groups of up to 500 individuals, with females dominating the hierarchy. They are also known for their excellent eyesight and keen sense of hearing, which they use to detect predators and communicate with one another.
Squirrel monkeys are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes fruits, insects, and small vertebrates like lizards and frogs. Unlike many other monkey species, squirrel monkeys have a specialized tooth that helps them to crack open hard-shelled fruits and nuts.
These monkeys have a lifespan of about 15-20 years in the wild, and up to 30 years in captivity. Squirrel monkeys are used extensively in medical research due to their similarities to humans in terms of brain function and social behavior. Despite their small size, squirrel monkeys are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of different habitats, including forests.
CONSERVATION MESSAGE
Unfortunately, they are facing many threats to their survival, including habitat loss, hunting for the pet trade, and capture for use in biomedical research.
To help conserve squirrel monkeys, we can take several actions, such as supporting conservation organizations that work to protect their habitats, educating others about the importance of preserving these species and their habitats, and avoiding products that contribute to deforestation. We can also choose to not support the pet trade by not buying squirrel monkeys as pets and raising awareness of the negative impacts of the pet trade on wildlife.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Extinct in the wild
LIFE SPAN
About 15-20 years in the wild, and up to 30 years in captivity
NATIVE HABITAT
Found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.
DIET
In terms of diet, squirrel monkeys are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Their diet consists of a wide variety of fruits, insects, spiders, and other small animals that they can find in the trees of the rainforest.
HEIGHT
height ranging from about 25 to 35 centimeters (10 to 14 inches)
WEIGHT
They weigh between 0.7 and 1.1 kilograms (1.5 to 2.4 pounds)
LENGTH
Squirrel monkeys have a body length of about 30 to 40 centimeters (12 to 16 inches), with their tail adding an additional 35 to 42 centimeters (14 to 17 inches) to their overall length.
Related Animals
More Animals
