We also cover specifics about baby squirrel monkeys, communication, and differences between the species. It is found in the Neotropics. Saimiri oerstedii (Black-crowned Central American Squirrel Monkey) is a species of primates in the family New World monkeys. Central American Squirrel Monkey, Saimiri oerstedii. Young squirrel monkeys have no apparent fear of falling, although individuals do occasionally lose their footing, with fatal consequences. Main Characteristics. They are very adaptable, and can live in various areas of the forest such as the edges, but they avoid clearings. What type of habitat do squirrel monkeys prefer? In this post, you’ll learn 35 squirrel monkey facts, including diet, range, all 5 species, and a couple of gross habits. The squirrel monkey is a small New World primate from the tropical areas of South America. The Common Squirrel Monkey is a small agile monkey. They have a body length of approximately 32 cms (12.5 inches), a tail length of approximately 41 cms (16 inches) and they weigh between 0.5 and 0.75 Kgs (1.1 - 1.7 lbs). However, squirrel monkeys in general (there are 5 different species) are found in Central and South America. Aka red-backed squirrel monkey. The position of the monkey’s eyes, at the front of the head, mean that it can pinpoint prey with great accuracy. What type of habitat do squirrel monkeys prefer? We will also look at some adaptations squirrel monkeys have, as well as their natural predators. Size: 22 - 30 cm (8.5 - 12 in); 0.5 - 1.1 kg (1 - 2.5 lb). The position of the monkey’s eyes, at the front of the head, mean that it can pinpoint prey with great accuracy. Central American Squirrel Monkey – Saimiri oerstedii. Squirrel monkeys prefer primary and secondary forest, and cultivated areas, usually along streams. The squirrel monkey lives in tropical forests of Central and South America. Squirrel monkeys are omnivorous and mainly eat fruits and insects. Size: 22 - 30 cm (8.5 - 12 in); 0.5 - 1.1 kg (1 - 2.5 lb). El Salvador is the Central American country with the fewest monkey species, as only Geoffroy's spider monkey lives there. Is there anything cuter than a squirrel monkey? It is listed as vulnerable by IUCN and in CITES Appendix I. Aka red-backed squirrel monkey. Distribution of the Squirrel Monkey. It is a diurnal frugivore. A small monkey, the Central American squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii ) has a slender body and a tail that is longer than the body itself. Plus lots of photos and videos. In this lesson you will learn about the behavior and diet of squirrel monkeys, as well as how they are classified. Central American squirrel monkey was created in 1872. Central American Squirrel Monkey. El Salvador is the Central American country with the fewest monkey species, as only Geoffroy's spider monkey lives there. The common and Central American species both have hair on the ears, unlike the bare-eared squirrel monkey (S. ustus) of central Brazil. Young squirrel monkeys have no apparent fear of falling, although individuals do occasionally lose their footing, with fatal consequences. The tail is not prehensile, but it does aid in balance as this monkey leaps between branches in a squirrel-like fashion. Geoffroy's tamarin is the smallest Central American monkey, with an average size of about 0.5 kilograms (1.1 lb). However, squirrel monkeys in general (there are 5 different species) are found in Central and South America. Diet of the Squirrel Monkey. Two subspecies are recognised: Black–crowned Central American squirrel monkey – Saimiri oerstedii oerstedii; Grey-crowned Central American squirrel monkey, Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus Squirrel monkeys prefer primary and secondary forest, and cultivated areas, usually along streams. Costa Rica and Panama. This subspecies S.o.citrinellus is from Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos, CR. Restricted to the lowland evergreen forests of Costa Rica and Panama. The Central American squirrel monkey and Panamanian night monkey are almost as small, with average sizes of less than 1.0 kilogram (2.2 lb). The Central American squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii) also has a restricted distribution, living only on part of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and a small portion of Panama. Then we'll finish up with some fun facts. Other articles where Central American squirrel monkey is discussed: squirrel monkey: …South America, whereas the endangered Central American squirrel monkeys (S. oerstedii) have black crowns and reddish backs. In this lesson you'll learn about the endangered species status of squirrel monkeys. The Central American squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii) also has a restricted distribution, living only on part of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and a small portion of Panama. Central American Squirrel Monkey. The squirrel monkeys, genus Saimiri, occur in each of the areas of vertebrate endemism in the Amazon (sensu Cracraft, 1985, Ribas et al., 2012, Silva et al., 2005), as well as in a restricted coastal area within Central America (Hershkovitz, 1984).Squirrel monkeys are one of only four genera of neotropical primates that are universally distributed throughout the Amazon (Ferrari, 2004).