Squirrel Monkey Facts

These cute little creatures have the largest brain to body mas ratio among all the monkey species in the world. Know more of these animals in this article on squirrel monkey facts…

Belonging to the genus [(biology) taxonomic’group containing one or more species] Saimiri, squirrel monkeys are the inhabitants of the tropical forests of Central and South America. Saimiri sciureus is the scientific name, which has been attributed to these animals.

Saimiri means small monkey

in Brazilian and sciureus is means squirrel. The monkey is of the order primates and of the family Cebidae. Fortunately, this species comes under those groups of fauna which are still far from being regarded as threatened or endangered. Find all the basic and important squirrel monkey facts from what has been described in the following section.

Common Squirrel Monkey Facts

The squirrel monkey is characterized by its short and close fur. The shoulder has olive-colored fur, while the back and extremities are covered with fur, which is yellowish orange. This monkey has earned the name of ‘death’s head monkey’ in many German languages. This is due to its throat and ears, which are white in color and mouth which is black.

The tail of the animal does not come into use for grasping something in order to climb or the like. However, it is used as a balancing tool when it jumps through trees. A male squirrel monkey weighs about 750 g and a female, 500 g. The upper canine teeth of a male is larger than that of a female. The monkey can attain a growth of to 25 to 35 cm and grow a tail which can be 35 to 42 cm long. One of the amazing squirrel monkey facts, which has already been mentioned, is regarding its brain to body mass ratio. The ratio is 1:17 and it is the largest figure among the ones with other primates.

Coming to squirrel monkey facts which encompasses their lifestyle, these creatures travel long distances in the forests, in search of foods such as fruits, flowers and insects. They remain active during the day and they home mostly the middle level of the forest. Not to mention, squirrel monkeys are excellent climbers and leapers and spend most of their time on trees. Descending to the ground is a rare occasion for these animals.

Know more on:

• Types of Monkeys
• Where do Monkeys Live

Squirrel monkeys are social animals, but they adhere to a very complex social structure. These animals live together in all male or all female groups and the size of the groups may vary from 20 – 35 up to about 200 or more in some areas. Female squirrel monkeys have a special bond with other females in the group.

Male squirrel monkeys attain their maturity level at an age of 4 years, while females, at about 2 years. The season which involves the reproduction of the offspring corresponds to the time when rainfall is the greatest. It takes a period of about 150 – 170 days after the gestation, for the birth of a juvenile. Males do not get involved in taking care of the babies and the mothers are the sole responsible individuals.

Baby squirrel monkeys remain clung onto their mothers’ back for the early part of their lives. The time for the babies to gradually leave their mother occurs after about 5 – 10 weeks. During this time, the babies start to get familiar with their surroundings and look for food on their own. After 5 – 10 months, the babies get matured enough to take care of their food and protection on their own.

Here’s more on

• Squirrel Monkey as Pets
• Monkey As Pets

Fun Squirrel Monkey Facts

During the mating season, male squirrel monkeys put on weight and double their size. Scientists comment that the probable reason due to this is an increase in spermatogenesis (development of spermatozoa).

The diet of these animals not only consists of fruits, flowers and insects, but anything which is small enough to fit into their mouths.

The way these creatures mark their territory is also one of the strange squirrel monkey facts. They urinate on their hands and feet leaving a scent trail, wherever they walk.

You may also be interested to know more on:

• Interesting Facts about Monkeys
• Monkey Habitat

To conclude this article on squirrel monkey facts, when it comes to showcase their dominance, male monkeys display their genitalia to other members of the group. Some cute shameless creatures of the jungle, they are!