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Common squirrel monkey - SAIMIRI SCIUREUS
Possibly Endangered
Class: Animals with Milk Glands (Mammalia)
The word "Monkey": "Monkey" is of unknown derivation, but it may come from the old German story of "Reynard the Fox," in which the ape's son was named "Moneke."
Description: This species is known as the squirrel monkey because of its small size. The eyes are large, and the tail very long, though not prehensile in adults. Its fine coat is varied in color, often gray with yellowish or orange hue, sometimes marked with black on the legs. Length of head and body 12 in, tail 16 in, weight 1.5 to 2.5 lbs.
Location: Northern South America.
Habitat: Arboreal. Tropical forest, gallery forest, and forest edge.
Behavior: The squirrel monkey lives in the treetops in the forest, in quite large groups of up to 100 monkeys in some areas. It rarely descends to the ground in search of food. It feeds on berries and fruit, insects, frogs, and other small animals. When demarcating its own territory it leaves a scent by soaking its body, especially its tail, in its urine. When assuming a commanding attitude toward the members of the group it stands up and displays its genitalia.
Reproduction: During the mating season, the males achieve the "fatted male condition," almost doubling their body weight. Only one young is born in each litter.
Go to the Primates Page to learn more about the other man-like animals.
Go to the Index to compare the various monkeys found in America Zoo.
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