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 the Common squirrel monkey. Saimiri means small monkey in Brazilian and Sciureus means squirrel. The monkey is of the order primates and of the family Cebidae. Fortunately, the species of the Saimiri sciureus comes under those groups of fauna which are still far from being regarded as threatened or endangered. However, the species of Central American squirrel monkey also known as Saimiri oerstedii, and Black squirrel monkey, also known as Saimiri vanzolinii have been listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Find more important facts on squirrel monkeys from the description below.

Some Quick 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, and mouth which is black.

# The tail of the animal does not come into use for grasping something to climb or the like. However, it is used as a balancing tool when the animal jumps from one tree to another. 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 25 to 35 cm, and have a tail which can be 35 to 42 cm long. The brain to body mass ratio is 1:17, and it is the largest figure among the ones with other primates.

# These creatures travel long distances in the forests in search of food such as fruits, flowers and insects. They remain active during the day, and they home mostly the middle level of the forest. They choose this area of the forest to avoid birds of prey, and predators that inhabit the grounds. Not to mention, squirrel monkeys are excellent climbers, and spend most of their time on trees. These monkeys are also excellent leapers because of their thighs that are relatively shorter than their lower legs thus, more jumping force. These animals are primarily arboreal, as descending to the ground is a rare occurrence.

# 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 5 years, while females, at about 3 years. The season which involves the reproduction of the offspring corresponds to the time when rainfall is the highest. 150 - 170 days is the gestation period, post which the babies are born. Males do not get involved in taking care of the babies, which leave the mothers as 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 they start foraging on their own. After 5 - 10 months, the babies get matured enough to take care of their food and protection on their own.

Some Funny Facts

# These creatures are known to make use of a wide variety of vocal calls for communicating with other members of the group. Scientists have been able to identify about 26 different calls that these monkeys use during activities such as foraging, hunting, escaping predators and mating.

# Female squirrel monkeys have what is known as 'psuedo-penis'. As the name suggests, it is not a true penis but a sufficiently enlarged clitoris that resembles a penis in the males. The females use it as a sign of dominance over smaller members of their group.

# Female monkeys of this species enter into menopause when they are still in their mid-teens.

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

# In the wild, these creatures can live up to an average of 15 years, and 20 years in captivity.

# A squirrel monkey named 'Baker' was a part of a space program held by the United States. The monkey was sent into space, and made a safe return to the earth.

# These monkeys possess commendable dexterity. This is evident by their incredible ability to grip onto branches, for opening fruits and holding onto their prey.

# 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 squirrel monkeys mark their territory is also one interesting fact. They urinate on their hands and feet leaving a scent trail, wherever they walk.

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