Amazon’s Squirrel Monkey

Saimiri

The Amazon Saimiri is a beautiful monkey species (Saimiri sciureus). Saimiri comes from Tupi and means small monkey. They are common in the forests and jungles of Central and South America. Even though their tail seems long, it is not used to grab onto branches. Instead, it is used to help squirrel monkeys balance when they are in high branches.


Although their diet consists mainly of fruits and insects, this particular monkey was curious about us but did not pay attention to the watermelon pieces we were leaving behind. He kept following us from a safe distance. They are small, measuring only 9.8-14 in (25-36 cm) long, not including the tail. They weigh around 1.7-2.4 lbs (750-1100 grams) [Wikipedia].


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7 Responses

  1. Alison
    | Reply

    Cute little fellow

  2. Anne Sandler
    | Reply

    What a cute animal. Those eyes!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, Anne. Those eyes were glued on us.

  3. restlessjo
    | Reply

    So many creatures in the monkey world! Beautiful captures, Egidio.

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