Squirrel Monkey

Squirrel monkeys are often described as one of the most peaceful primates with orange fur and funny faces.  Their fur is soft and thick and they have little to no hair on the area around the lips and nostrils.  The skin in these areas is black  The head is usually dark in color while the back forearms, feet and hands are of yellow to orange and the tip of the tail is black.

The males are usually larger than the females with an adult weighing about 500-1000 grams.  This species has large cusps that are instrumental in eating insects.  A short digestive tract is another feature characteristic of insectivores.

Squirrel monkeys inhabit virgin and secondary forests of South America.  They also give preference to cultivated regions and often live near water.  They are commonly seen in such countries as Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and others.  Small populations have been observed in Southern Florida.  Their future, at the present time, is uncertain due to a rapid habitat loss.

Squirrel monkeys are active in both day and night and are considered both arboreal and diurnal animals.  They feed on insects found in their habitat but they are not an absolute insectivore.  They are also frugivorous animals and their diet includes various fruits and berries.  They can also feed on mollusks, frogs, and small vertebrates and can obtain most of their water from their meals.  At times, they drink water from tree holes and on the ground.