Squirrel monkey: life and habitat of an amazing primate

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:53

The squirrel monkey, or saimiri, is a small primate that lives in the rainforests of South America. This furry beast has long attracted the attention of biologists. After all, not only does she have a very interesting intraspecific hierarchy, but also the natives attributed to her some kind of mystical power. But let's talk about everything in order.

Habitats

The squirrel monkey has chosen the cool rainforests of South America as its home. It can be found both in the expanses of Costa Rica and near coffee plantations in Brazil. However, already on the border with Paraguay, their numbers begin to decline. This is due to the fact that below is a new climatic zone, which did not please the saimiri.

In terms of personal preference, the squirrel monkey from South America prefers to settle near large bodies of water. Indeed, in such a place, she can easily provide herself with both drinking water and an uninterrupted source of food. Only the highlands this beastbypasses. In fact, this is not surprising, because in such conditions it is difficult to hide from numerous predators.

Appearance

The squirrel monkey from hot America has a very specific appearance. Let's start with the fact that this is a very small primate - its body length rarely exceeds 30-35 cm. At the same time, the weight of the saimiri ranges from 1-1.3 kilograms. Due to its compact size, the monkey can easily jump from tree to tree, clinging to thin branches.

This primate has a very short coat, which is easily explained by the warm climate. At the same time, there is practically no hair on the muzzle. As for the fur, its color may vary slightly depending on the habitat of the monkeys. However, gray and yellow shades will always be dominant. Only small areas near the saimiri's face are painted white, which immediately catches the eye, against the background of her black nose and lips.

Habits and characteristics of behavior

Like most primates, the squirrel monkey is omnivorous. The basis of its diet is fruits and insects. In order to get them in the right amount, small saimiri often have to go down to the ground. And since they have many natural enemies, they came up with a special system of protection against them. Going hunting, the monkeys place sentries - as soon as the enemy appears in their field of vision, they immediately notify their relatives of the approaching threat.

It's curioushow playful a squirrel monkey can be. Photos taken by tourists and scientists often contain shots of how the saimiri frolics with some kind of toy. At the same time, both an ordinary wand and any trinket stolen from a gaping traveler can become it.

Hierarchy within the pack

Saimiri are used to living in large packs. Moreover, the denser the forest in which they live, the denser their community. So, even the smallest groups of squirrel monkeys number about 50-70 individuals. However, in the impenetrable tropics of Brazil, there are flocks whose number is measured in 3-4 hundreds.

Often, such a community is headed by one α-male, who controls them all. But it also happens that several male primates can lead the flock. It is they who have the legal right to choose females with whom they can mate. The rest will have to work hard to get a partner.

It should also be noted that packs can sometimes split into smaller groups. This happens because of a conflict between the leaders, or if part of the tribe wants to move to another territory. However, science knows examples when, after some time, a split community became whole again.

Reproduction and mating season

Female squirrel monkeys reach sexual maturity in the 3rd year of their life, while males - only in the 4th or 5th. At the same time, ladies are much inferior to their gentlemen both in height and in weight. Especially beforethe beginning of mating games, because during this period males gain a lot of weight. The courtship itself continues for several weeks, after which the monkeys form strong alliances.

Pregnancy lasts 5-6 months. In this case, the female often gives birth to only one baby. At first, he is fed with milk alone, but after a month the child is able to eat on his own and eat the food familiar to primates. It is curious that squirrel monkeys have a kind of kindergarten. So, while adults get food, unused representatives of their flock are watching all the kids.

Squirrel Monkey: Great and Terrible

"Dead head" - that's what the natives called this cute little monkey. This happened due to the fact that the black eyes of the saimiri look very ominous against the background of her light muzzle. Looking at her, the locals saw a demon that could bring misfortune. Therefore, she was feared and honored, which was only for the benefit of the petty naughty.

Of course, over the years, the mystical glory of the saimiri dissipated. Now she is perceived as an ordinary inhabitant of the jungle, who loves to play a trick on a random passerby. And yet the formidable nickname still remains.