Common Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus)
Common Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus)
The Common Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus), or Guianan squirrel monkey, is a small primate species native to South America. They are slightly larger than the average squirrel (hence their name) and have distinct, white faces with dark eyes. Their small size makes them perfect prey for eagles and snakes. Guianan squirrel monkeys are mostly herbivores, eating fruit but supplementing it with insects and occasionally leaves or nuts. They live in the forests of the Amazon Basin, preferring intermediate forest levels but occasionally venturing to the canopy or the ground when needed.
Common Squirrel Monkeys have a head-body length of 9”-13” (23-33 cm), tail length of 13.4”-16.5” (34-42 cm), height on all fours of 6.3”-9” (16-23 cm), and body width between 3.1”-4.5” (8-11.5 cm). The typical weight of the Common Squirrel Monkey is in the range of 1.1-2.2 lb (.5-1 kg). Common Squirrel Monkeys have lifespans between 15-21 years in the wild and 20-30 years in captivity.
The Common Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus), or Guianan squirrel monkey, is a small primate species native to South America. They are slightly larger than the average squirrel (hence their name) and have distinct, white faces with dark eyes. Their small size makes them perfect prey for eagles and snakes. Guianan squirrel monkeys are mostly herbivores, eating fruit but supplementing it with insects and occasionally leaves or nuts. They live in the forests of the Amazon Basin, preferring intermediate forest levels but occasionally venturing to the canopy or the ground when needed.
Common Squirrel Monkeys have a head-body length of 9”-13” (23-33 cm), tail length of 13.4”-16.5” (34-42 cm), height on all fours of 6.3”-9” (16-23 cm), and body width between 3.1”-4.5” (8-11.5 cm). The typical weight of the Common Squirrel Monkey is in the range of 1.1-2.2 lb (.5-1 kg). Common Squirrel Monkeys have lifespans between 15-21 years in the wild and 20-30 years in captivity.
