Black-Capped Squirrel Monkey
Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Saimiri boliviensis
Population size
Unknown
Life Span
up to 30 years
Weight
365-1135
12.9-40
goz
g oz 
Length
225-370
8.9-14.6
mminch
mm inch 

The black-capped squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis ) is a species of New-World monkey native to the upper Amazon basin in Bolivia, western Brazil and eastern Peru. They weigh between 365 and 1135 grams and measure, from the head to the base of the tail, between 225 and 370mm. Black-capped squirrel monkeys are primarily tree-dwelling and are found in both native and plantation forests as well as some farmed areas near running water. Their diet is omnivorous and mostly consists of flowers, fruit, leaves, nuts, seeds, insects, arachnids, eggs and small vertebrates. They mostly live in female-dominated troops of around 40 to 75 monkeys, with males having been observed to disperse to live in all-male troops after reaching sexual maturation. Their current conservation status according to the IUCN is 'Least Concern'. The species belongs to the genus Saimiri and has two subspecies, S. b. boliviensis (the Bolivian squirrel monkey) and S. b. peruviensis (the Peruvian squirrel monkey).

Appearance

The Black-capped squirrel monkey is a South American squirrel monkey that is very popular in zoos around the world. These monkeys have short and dense fur. Their face is white, and their ears, throat, head, back and legs are yellow to olive in color. Infants in this species are born with a prehensile tail but lose this ability when growing. Adulats use their long tail as a balance when they are jumping from one brach to another through the trees.

Video

Distribution

Geography

Continents
Biogeographical realms

Black-capped squirrel monkeys are found in Bolivia, Brazil and Peru. They inhabit tropical rain forests.

Black-Capped Squirrel Monkey habitat map

Climate zones

Black-Capped Squirrel Monkey habitat map
Black-Capped Squirrel Monkey

Habits and Lifestyle

Black-capped squirrel monkeys are arboreal and diurnal animals. They usually occur in the canopy among the small branches and sometimes come down to the forest floor. These monkeys are very social and live in groups ranging from 10 to 550 individuals, but an average size is usually 40-50 individuals. Within the groups they establish hierarchies of dominance. Black-capped squirrel monkeys are very playful creatures. Playing is common between mothers with their offspring, immature individuals and even adults also play with other adults. Such behavior is rarely seen in nature among other primates. In order to communicate with each other these monkeys use many different vocalizations. Among these calls are chirps and peeps which are used when monkeys are alarmed; squawks and purrs are heard during the breeding season; barks are signs of aggression, and screams are used when individuals are in pain.

Seasonal behavior

Diet and Nutrition

Black-capped squirrel monkeys are omnivores and eat both plants and animals. They consume fruits, berries, seeds and gum, frogs, bats, spiders, bird eggs, and other small insects and animals.

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR
PREGNANCY DURATION
150-170 days
BABY CARRYING
1 infant
INDEPENDENT AGE
1 year
FEMALE NAME
female
MALE NAME
male
BABY NAME
infant

Black-capped squirrel monkeys are polygynandrous (promiscuous) which means that both males and females mate with multiple partners during the breeding season. These monkeys breed once per year and their breeding season lasts three months. Females give birth to a single infant after the gestation period that lasts 150-170 days. When the infant is born the mother protects her baby and provides all the care. Other females in the group will also help in raising young. Such behavior is called "aunting. Infants are weaned between 4 and 6 months of age and become independent at around 1 year. Females reach reproductive maturity at around 2,5-3 years of age. Males usually leave the subgroup of females with young at this age and form their own subgroup in the troop that will consist of immature males. When 5 years old, they will join the mature male subgroup and will be able to compete for dominance.

Population

Population threats

The main threat to Black-capped squirrel monkey sat present is hunting for food and for the pet trade. They also suffer from habitat loss and may be captured for medical research.

Population number

The IUCN Red List and other sources do not provide the Black-capped squirrel monkey total population size, but this animal is common and widespread throughout its known range. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing.

Ecological niche

By feeding upon fruits and seeds, these monkeys act as important seed dispersers of their range, thus contributing to the regeneration of the forest. They also consume insects and this way may control the insect population.

Coloring Pages

References

1. Black-Capped Squirrel Monkey on Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-capped_squirrel_monkey
2. Black-Capped Squirrel Monkey on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41536/17940021

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