Animals
Class: Mammal
Biome:
Conservation Status: Least Concern
About this animal
A native of South America, the squirrel monkey inhabits primary and secondary forest, near rivers, mangroves and swamps. It’s head and body together equal 305 mm (12 in.) in length while it’s tail length is 356 mm (14 in.). This small monkey (750-1100g) is highly gregarious and in the wild may form groups of up to 40 or more individuals. The large groups ensure that the squirrel monkeys can compete successfully with large monkeys for food. They eat insects, birds’ eggs and fruit. They have an average life span of 20 years. Squirrel monkeys mark their territory by urinating on their hands and feet and which is transferred when moving around.
Did you know?
The squirrel monkey’s brain is the largest of all primates in comparison to the size of their head.
