Guianan Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus)
Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.
Taxonomy |
Physical Characteristics |
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Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia — mammals Order: Primates — primates Family: Cebidae — New World monkeys Genus: Saimiri — squirrel monkeys Species: Saimiri sciureus* — Guianan squirrel monkey, South American squirrel monkey, common squirrel monkey *Note: Saimiri sciureus and S. collinsi now considered separate species (Lynch Alfaro et al. 2015; Mercês et al. 2015).
Synonyms Chrysothrix nigrivittata, Lemur leucopsis, Saimiri sciureus sciureus, Sapajou saimiri, Simia apedia, Simia morta, Simia sciurea Sources: Hershkovitz (1984), Rylands and Mittermeier (2013), ITIS (2022), Silva Júnior et al. (2022) |
Body WeightMale: 779–911 g (1.72–2.01 lb) (Feagle 2013) Note: Rylands and Mittermeier (2013) give a wider weight range: males, 550–1,400 g (1.2–3.1 lb); females: 550–1,200 g (1.2–2.6 lb). Head-body LengthMale: 25–37 cm (9.8–15 in) (Rylands and Mittermeier 2013) Tail LengthMale: 36–40 cm (14–16 in) (Rylands and Mittermeier 2013) General AppearanceSmall body with long limbs for arboreal life. Hind limbs longer than forelimbs. Head round and elongate, with large, closely spaced eyes. Fur short, dense, and richly colored. Ears and tail with long tufts (Husson 1978; Fleagle 2013). ColorationGenerally grayish or greenish to reddish, with agouti “pepper and salt” coloring on head crown. Eyes bordered by white and pink. Muzzle black. Ear tufts white. Last third of tail black; remainder is gray. Body buff-colored with yellow–orange forearms, legs, and feet. Underside white (e.g., Husson 1978; Rylands and Mittermeier 2013). Coloration of adults and infants similar (Baldwin and Baldwin 1981). |
Distribution & Status |
Behavior & Ecology |
RangeNorthern South America, including Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil (Silva Júnior et al. 2021). HabitatAdapted to wet and dry forests. Subtropical and tropical lowland forest, including rainforest, seasonally inundated forest, and gallery forest. Generally show a preference for habitat areas near rivers (Husson 1978; Fleagle 2013). Also occur in mangroves. Some ability to adapt to disturbed forest (Baldwin and Baldwin 1981; Rylands and Mittermeier 2013; Silva Júnior et al. 2021). Prefer mid-forest levels, but also use forest floor and canopy (Husson 1978). IUCN StatusLeast Concern. Population trend: decreasing (Silva Júnior et al. 2021). CITES AppendixAppendix II (UNEP 2022) Populations in the WildNo estimates reported. Considered widespread and common within its range. Found within many protected areas (Rylands and Mittermeier 2013). Threats to SurvivalNo major threats. Generally not hunted due to their small size (Rylands and Mittermeier 2013; Henfrey 2020; Silva Júnior et al. 2021). Infrequently taken by subsistence hunters (e.g., Shaffer et al. 2017). Previously captured for the pet trade and biomedical research (imports to the U.S. ceased in the mid-1970s) (Rosenblum and Cooper 1968; Dukelow 1983; Abee 1989; Rylands and Mittermeier 2013; Rylands et al. 2013). Other squirrel monkeys threatened by deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and the pet trade (Rylands et al. 2013). |
Activity PatternsDiurnal; very active during the day (Du Mond 1968; Husson 1978; Baldwin and Baldwin 1981; Eisenberg 1989; Stone 2004). Rest during hottest time of the day (Thorington 1968). Less active during heavy rain (Du Mond 1968; Baldwin and Baldwin 1981). Spend up to half their time foraging and eating, with additional time spent during the dry season (Stone 2007). Travel time also significant. Smaller amounts of time spent resting and engaging in social behavior (Rylands and Mittermeier 2013). Home RangeTypically 100–123 ha (200–303 acres) (Rylands and Mittermeier 2013). Ranges of different groups overlap extensively (Eisenberg 1989). Movements and DispersalTravel about 2,300 m (1.4 mi) per day (Rylands and Mittermeier 2013). Females disperse as adults, while males stay near their place of birth. Both sexes undertake dispersal between groups during their lifetimes (Kauffman et al. 2005). Social BehaviorMixed male-and-female groups typically containing 25 to 75 members (Boinski 1999). Group size can be fewer than 20 individuals in fragmented forest or more than 100 individuals in areas of continuous forest (Pinheiro et al. 2013). Females and juveniles form core of social groups, with males remaining near group’s periphery for most of the year (average sex ratio: 4 females to 1 male). In larger groups, mother–infants and members of same age class tend to interact most frequently. Females form stable social ties without hierarchy (unless under conditions of stress). Males compete for dominance, though access to food and mates depends on a combination of factors (Ploog et al. 1963; Ploog 1967; Baldwin 1971; Castell and Heinrich 1971; Baldwin and Baldwin 1981; Stone 2004; Izar et al. 2009). In some locations, frequently fight over fruit (Baldwin 1971; Baldwin and Baldwin 1981; Eisenberg 1989; Rylands and Mittermeier 2013). CommunicationMany vocalizations given — e.g., to make contact with group members, during feeding, when showing aggression, and as predator-detection calls (Winter et al. 1966; Ploog 1967; Du Mond 1968; Thorington 1968; Winter 1968; Eisenberg 1989; Rylands et al. 2013). Visually signal through postures, movements, facial expressions, and stereotyped displays — e.g., genital displays used to signal social status (Ploog et al. 1963; Ploog 1967; Baldwin and Baldwin 1981; Vermeer 2006). Olfactory communication includes gland secretions, urine, and body odor (Kaplan and Russell 1974; Baldwin and Baldwin 1981; Rylands et al. 2013). Interspecies InteractionsSaimiri form mixed-species groups, particularly with Cebus monkeys (Baldwin and Baldwin 1971; Klein and Klein 1973), likely to benefit from capuchins’ predator-detection ability (Terborgh 1983; Jack 2011). Young squirrel monkeys associate with marmosets and uakaris during play (Du Mond 1968). Other BehaviorsSleep on top of branches, squatting with head down, and tail curled over a shoulder or between legs (conserves body heat). Infants, juveniles, and male subadults play socially (jumping, chasing, tackling, tumbling, wrestling) and with objects (bark, leaves) (Ploog et al. 1967; Baldwin and Baldwin 1981). Scratching can suggest anxiety, e.g., after fights with group members (Rylands et al. 2013). Diet and FeedingInsects (e.g., flies, caterpillars, grasshoppers), particularly during the dry season, and fruits, especially small, sweet, berry-like fruits. Also, flowers, nectar, seeds, gums, spiders, lizards, and bird eggs. Similar diet to Collins’ squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus and S. collinsi formerly considered one species) (Thorington 1968; Husson 1978; Stone 2004, 2007; Rylands and Mittermeier 2013; Rylands et al. 2013). Inspect and unroll leaves to find hiding insects (Baldwin and Baldwin 1981; Janson and Boinski 1992). Forage in leaf litter for insects during dry season. Higher fruit consumption during wet season (Stone 2004, 2007). Abundant palm tree fruits allow for group feeding (Stone 2007; Rylands and Mittermeier 2013). Drink from tree holes or on the ground, but most water absorbed from food (Baldwin 1967, cited by Baldwin and Baldwin 1981). PredatorsRaptors (hawks, eagles) (Terborgh 1983; Fleagle 2013; Duarte and Carvalho 2019) LocomotionRun, climb, and leap among branches using hands and feet together. Adults jump up to 5 m (15 ft); extend arms and legs forward and land with all 4 limbs. Climb up vertically using limbs on one side together, or ‘hopping’ while pulling with arms. Pounce on insect food (e.g., flies, butterflies). Tail used for balance (Husson 1978; Baldwin and Baldwin 1981; McNamara et al. 2019). Relationship with HumansHigh degree of coexistence (Lima et al. 2021). Also see Threats to Survival. |
Reproduction & Development |
Additional Species Highlights |
BreedingSeasonal, synchronous breeding and birthing periods. Mating period lasts about 9 weeks in the early dry season (e.g., Zimbler-DeLorenzo and Stone 2011). Promiscuous mating system. Males associate more closely with female groups (Du Mond and Hutchinson 1967; Baldwin 1968; Baldwin and Baldwin 1971; Coe and Rosenblum 1978; Trevino 2007; Izar et al. 2009) and develop secondary breeding characteristics, such as a thicker fat layer below the skin, appearance of thicker fur (“fatted condition”), and more vocalizing and aggressive behavior (Du Mond and Hutchinson 1967; Du Mond 1968; Stone 2014). Maternal CareBirths among group members all occur within a week of one another (early wet season). Infants carried and cared for by their mother, and often younger females or females that lost an infant (Baldwin and Baldwin 1981; Rylands and Mittermeier 2013; Rylands et al. 2013). Young begin exploring on their own at about 4–7 weeks; independent at about 11 months old (Baldwin 1969; Baldwin and Baldwin 1981; Stone 2004). Sexual MaturityMales: full maturity at 4–5 years (Baldwin and Baldwin 1981; Rylands and Mittermeier 2013) GestationAbout 5 months (Beischer and Furry 1964; Eisenberg 1989; Rylands and Mittermeier 2013) Litter Size1 infant (Goss et al. 1968; Baldwin and Baldwin 1971) Interbirth Interval1–2 years (Rylands and Mittermeier 2013) Birth Weight80–140 g (3–5 oz) (Baldwin and Baldwin 1981) Age at WeaningAbout 6 months of age; nursing may extend to 8 months (Stone 2004; Rylands and Mittermeier 2013). Stone (2004) states weaning begins as early as 4 months; may need confirmation. Typical Life ExpectancyWild populations: not reported |
Feature Facts
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For bibliography and Managed Care information, click the tabs at the top of this page.
© 2023 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
How to cite: Guianan Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus) Fact Sheet. c2023. San Diego (CA): San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; [accessed YYYY Mmm dd]. http://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/guianan-squirrel-monkey.
(note: replace YYYY Mmm dd with date accessed, e.g., 2019 Dec 31)
Disclaimer: Although San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance makes every attempt to provide accurate information, some of the facts provided may become outdated or replaced by new research findings. Questions and comments may be addressed to library@sdzwa.org.
Many thanks to Jill Andrews for providing expert content review of this fact sheet.
Andrews is a wildlife care manager at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, where she has overseen care for squirrel monkeys and other primates for the past 8 years. She previously worked in the primates department at the San Francisco Zoo for about 13 years as an assistant curator and keeper. Her work included direct care for squirrel monkeys, which Andrews describes as bold and intelligent, and captivating for their "communication repertoire, unique social structure, and small but stunning appearance." Andrews has additional experience caring for carnivores and large hoofstock.
In her SDZWA role, Andrews especially enjoys advocating for primates through public education.
Thank you to Kym Janke for sharing her knowledge of animal husbandry for the Managed Care section of this fact sheet.
Wildlife Care Supervisor Kym Janke oversees the San Diego Zoo’s Animal Connections department in Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. She is responsible for overseeing animal care, as well as education–outreach programs. She has worked for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance for 16 years and has extensive experience in zoo animal husbandry across a wide variety of taxa.
Early in her career, Janke developed expertise in the husbandry and breeding of cheetahs at Wildlife Safari in Oregon. She also previously worked at the Greater Vancouver Zoo in Canada.
Since 2008, Janke has served on the board of the American Association of Zoo Keepers San Diego. She is also involved in AZA’s Animal Ambassador Scientific Advisory Group (AASAG).
Saimiri sciureus is found in Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil.
Adapted from www.d-maps.com according to IUCN fact sheet. Click here or on map for detailed distribution (IUCN).
Squirrel monkeys run, climb, and leap among tree branches and use their long tails for balance.
They move through the forest continuously, feeding on insects and ripening fruit. Adults can jump up to 5 m (15 ft).
Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.
