"> Squirrel Monkey " /> " /> " /> from Mongabay-Kids, a leading web site for information on the rainforest."/> Squirrel Monkey

Scientific Name: Saimiri oerstedii

Squirrel monkeys are found in the secondary forests of South America. These tiny monkeys only grow up to about 1100 grams and are seen scampering through all levels of the forest canopy on all 4 legs. They constantly also fling themselves from tree to tree, seemingly without any fear at all of falling. To help them jump like this, their thighs are shorter than the lower part of their legs and their tail is used to help them balance.

Squirrel monkeys can move in groups of up to 500 individuals. About 90% of their diet is made up of fruit, however they do eat little insects and bird eggs, making them omnivores.

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When babies are born, they spend the first few months of their lives clinging on to the backs of their mothers.

These monkeys are caught both for the illegal pet trade and for use in medical research. There have been many cases of these agile animals being caught in power lines and being electrocuted. Also, their small sizes makes them highly susceptible to attacks from birds of prey, snakes and cats.

From 1992 to 2003 these monkeys were listed as endangered. In 2008, they were then classified as vulnerable. However as more of their forest homes are being cut down, they might end up becoming endangered and soon after, even extinct.