The squirrel monkey, or saymiri, is a small primate that lives in the tropical forests of South America. This furry beast has long attracted the attention of biologists. After all, not only does it have a very interesting intraspecific hierarchy, so also the natives attributed some mystical power to it. But let's talk about everything in order.
Habitat
The squirrel monkey chose the cool tropical forests of South America as its home. It can be found both on 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 Saimiri did not like.
As for personal preferences, the squirrel monkey from South America prefers to settle near large ponds. Indeed, in such a place, she can easily provide herself with both drinking water and an uninterrupted source of food. Only the mountainous region, this beast bypasses. In fact, this is not surprising, because in such conditions it is difficult to hide from numerous predators.
Appearance
Squirrel monkey from hot America has a very specific appearance. To begin with, this is a very small primate - the length of his body rarely exceeds 30-35 cm. In this case, the weight of the saimiri ranges from 1-1.3 kg. Thanks to its compact size, a 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, on the face, the hairline is completely absent. 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 face of Saymiri are painted white, which immediately catches the eye, against the background of her black nose and lips.
Habits and behavior
Like most primates, the squirrel monkey is omnivorous. The basis of her diet is fruits and insects. In order to get them in the right amount, small Saymiri 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 on a hunt, the monkeys set the sentries - as soon as the enemy appears in their field of vision, they immediately alert their relatives about the imminent threat.
What is curious is how playful a squirrel monkey can be. Photos taken by tourists and scholars often contain shots of how Saymiri frolics with a toy. At the same time, it can become an ordinary wand, as well as any trinket stolen from a gaping traveler.
Hierarchy within the flock
Saimiri used to live in large packs. Moreover, the thicker 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 at the head of such a community is one α-male who governs all. But it also happens that several male primates can lead the pack. They have the legal right to choose females with which they can mate. The rest will have to try hard in order to get a partner.
It should also be noted that sometimes flocks can split into smaller groups. This happens because of a conflict between the leaders or in the event that part of the tribe wants to move to another territory. However, science knows examples where, after some time, the split community has become whole again.
Breeding and mating season
Squirrel monkey females reach puberty in the 3rd year of their life, and males only in the 4th or 5th year. At the same time, ladies are much inferior to their gentlemen both in height and weight. Especially before the start of courtship games, because during this period the males gain weight significantly. The courtship itself lasts for several weeks, after which the monkeys create strong alliances.
Pregnancy lasts 5-6 months. In this case, the female often gives birth to only one baby. Initially, he is fed with one milk, but after a month the child is able to eat independently and eat the usual food for primates. It is curious that squirrel monkeys have a kind of kindergarten. So, while adults get food, all the babies are watched by the idle members of their pack.
