Squirrel Monkey
The Squirrel Monkey is a smallish primate found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. There are quite a few different types of Squirrel Monkeys, but they appear quite similar in color and size, weighing just a few pounds and standing from 10” - 14” inches in height. These little mammals live almost exclusively in the trees- rarely going to the ground- and survive primarily on fruits, seeds, lizards, insects and bird eggs.
Squirrel Monkeys live in large groups and have a wide range of vocal calls. They are active during the day and like humans, sleep at night. They are only able to sweat through their hands and feet, and as a result can steady their body temperature by rubbing urine on themselves to keep cool in the intense heat in which they live.
They can live up to 25 years in the wild and natural predators include snakes, big cats, and unfortunately humans, who often capture them for use as pets. Deforestation also poses a threat to Squirrel Monkeys, although their populations remain strong enough so that they are not classified as endangered.
Squirrel Monkeys live in large groups and have a wide range of vocal calls. They are active during the day and like humans, sleep at night. They are only able to sweat through their hands and feet, and as a result can steady their body temperature by rubbing urine on themselves to keep cool in the intense heat in which they live.
They can live up to 25 years in the wild and natural predators include snakes, big cats, and unfortunately humans, who often capture them for use as pets. Deforestation also poses a threat to Squirrel Monkeys, although their populations remain strong enough so that they are not classified as endangered.