The Saimiri sciureus, also known as the common squirrel monkey, is a neotropical primate found mainly in the Amazon basin. They are recognisable by their olive-green fur, black and white face and long, furry tail.
15-25 years
0,5-1 kg
25-40 cm
The species is relatively secure in the wild and faces no immediate risk of extinction.
Gestation lasts almost six months, after which the calf is born; the males are not involved in rearing and other females in the group assist the mothers in caring for the baby saimiri. Weaning occurs at six months, and sexual maturity occurs between two and a half and four years.
They are very social animals, living in troops (family groups) that generally consist of around 40-50 individuals. This primate is quadrupedal, moving in this way through the forest. When it needs to move between branches, it does so by jumping. Its habit is generally arboreal, occasionally coming down to the ground to forage or to play with other members of its group.
Among its main threats are trafficking and illegal possession, deforestation, oil activity and the mining industry.
It is an omnivorous animal that feeds on fruits, leaves, flowers, seeds, green shoots, nectar, small insects and even bird and small vertebrate eggs.
It is at high risk of extinction in the medium term.
It is not yet at risk, but could be soon if conditions worsen.
Not Used
There are no longer any living individuals of the species.
Only specimens survive in captivity or in scientific collections.
It has a very high risk of disappearing in the wild if conservation measures are not taken.
It faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the near future.
