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.   Niche 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.