Mammals
Common Squirrel Monkey
Saimiri sciureus · also called South American squirrel monkey
Moving in a constant, energetic wave through the Amazon canopy, a troop of common squirrel monkeys numbering in the hundreds forages together, one of the largest social groups formed by any primate species anywhere in the world.
Overview
The common squirrel monkey, Saimiri sciureus, is a small, highly active primate native to rainforest habitat across the Amazon basin of South America. Its exceptionally large social troops, distinctive black-and-white facial mask, and constant, energetic foraging behaviour make it one of the more socially and behaviourally striking small monkeys found anywhere in the Amazon.
Safety, and chaos, in enormous numbers
Few primates gather in groups as large as the common squirrel monkey’s, whose troops of hundreds create a constantly moving, energetic wave through the rainforest canopy that offers safety in numbers unmatched by most other monkey species.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable rainforest habitat throughout the Amazon basin.
Common Squirrel Monkey: common questions
How large can common squirrel monkey troops get?
This species can form exceptionally large social troops, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, among the biggest social groups documented in any primate species, a striking contrast to the smaller family groups typical of many other monkey species.
Why do male squirrel monkeys temporarily gain weight?
Males of this species undergo a seasonal change in body condition during the mating season, temporarily gaining weight in a phenomenon linked to increased competition for mates, a physical shift that reverses once the breeding season has passed.
What does the common squirrel monkey's face look like?
This species has a distinctive facial pattern featuring a black muzzle surrounded by white fur around the eyes, a highly recognisable combination that makes it easy to distinguish from many other similarly sized New World monkeys.
How active is the common squirrel monkey during the day?
This species is notably active and energetic, moving and foraging almost constantly through the canopy during daylight hours, rarely staying still for long as it searches for insects and fruit across its rainforest habitat.