Monkey ~ Squirrel

Squirrel Monkeys inhabit the rainforests of South America where they reside primarily in secondary forests at the intermediate level. They spend most of their time foraging in the trees for fruits, insects, nuts and seeds. Here they are also less likely to become targets for their major predators: eagles, snakes and seldom humans. Squirrel Monkeys will mate freely amongst their social grouping and the young are born in the season with the greatest amount of rainfall, likely because of the vast supply of food at this time. Females will nurse and care for the infants who reach maturity at age 2.5 (females) and age 4 (males). Males will often form coalitions and may become quite violent; they are dominant to females. Though not currently at risk, squirrel monkey populations are declining, likely due to deforestation, and capture for use in medical labs or as pets. On average squirrel monkeys live 20 years.