Why do squirrel monkeys live in groups

Primates 14 4 : In: Ecology and Behavior of Neotropical Primates eds. Coimbra-Filho and R. Mittermeier , pp. Academia Brasileira de Ciencias, Rio de Janeiro. Boinski, S.

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology American Journal of Primatology DuMond, F. International Zoo Year- book 9: Science Mendoza, S. Physiology and Behavior Mitchell, C.

Salzen, E. Segal , pp. Vermeer, J. Apenheul Primate Park. The social behaviour of squirrel monkeys Although squirrel monkeys are among the most popular laboratory and zoo animals, relatively little is known about their social behaviour in the wild.

Squirrel monkey mother and infant at Apenheul Primate Park. Photo: Jan Vermeer Formation of a captive heterosexual Saimiri group As squirrel monkeys are matrilinear, it is important that all females of a new group are related to each other, that is, that they come from the same natal group.

Formation of a captive all-male Saimiri group As in social groups of squirrel monkeys females outnumber males, there is a surplus of males in captivity. References Baldwin, J. Precipitation is typically not limiting, but may be somewhat seasonal. Napier and Napier.

The Natural History of the Primates. Kavanagh, M. Jonathan Cape, London. Eimerl, S. The Primates. Time Life Books, NY. To cite this page: Rhines, C. Disclaimer: The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students. ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe.

Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While ADW staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.

Saimiri sciureus South American squirrel monkey Facebook. Geographic Range Squirrel monkeys live in the tropical rainforests of South America, except in the southeastern coastal forests of Brazil. Biogeographic Regions neotropical native Habitat Squirrel monkeys prefer primary and secondary forest, gallery forest and forest edge. They occupy many different types of forests. Terrestrial Biomes forest rainforest Physical Description Squirrel monkeys are up to Other Physical Features endothermic bilateral symmetry Average mass g Mating System polygynandrous promiscuous Squirrel monkeys are seasonal breeders.

Group size is affected by habitat. Squirrel monkeys display female dominance, with the females forming the central core of the group, or troop. Key Behaviors arboreal scansorial diurnal motile social dominance hierarchies Communication and Perception Perception Channels tactile chemical Food Habits Squirrel monkeys eat mainly fruit and some insects; they also consume some leaves and seeds.

Primary Diet herbivore frugivore Animal Foods insects terrestrial non-insect arthropods Plant Foods leaves seeds, grains, and nuts fruit Economic Importance for Humans: Positive Used as pets and in research. Conservation Status Currently, captive squirrel monkey populations are maintained in research labs.

Glossary Neotropical living in the southern part of the New World. In other words, Central and South America. Live in groups of Both sexes form a single linear hierarchy, with most males being more dominant than females. Males form coalitions and tend to be aggressive towards other males, and potential predators. The fruits they eat tend to be located in small, dense patches, so competition between group members tends to be high.

Squirrel monkeys mate between September and November. Males and females are promiscuous and will mate with several partners. Offspring are born during the dry season, between February and April, when there is a high abundance of arthropods.

For the first month of life, babies will stay attached to their mom, getting carried around on her back. Females act as the sole caregiver to their young, though males will also display increased aggression towards predators during the birthing season. Squirrel Monkeys usually only give birth to one offspring at a time. Squirrel monkeys are listed as Least Concern, because of their relatively wide range, adaptability to some degree of disturbed forest, and the lack of major threats.

Given their small size, they are generally not hunted for meat. Though in some countries, squirrel monkeys are trapped and sold into the pet trade. Female squirrel monkeys have a pseudo-penis that they use to display dominance over other, smaller cohorts. Squirrel monkeys have the largest brain to body mass ratio of all primates. It is twice the proportion of a human.

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