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Scientific name: Saimiri sciureus Habitat: tropical rainforests, mangrove forests Diet: insects, fruits; also leaves, flowers and seeds, frogs, bird eggs Life span: 20 years Young: 1 young/litter Size: males 0.4–1.3 kg (1-3 lbs); females slightly smaller |
Squirrel monkeys are excellent climbers and leapers. They spend most of their time in the canopy, but occasionally forage on the forest floor. Their tail is used primarily for balance. It is not prehensile (grasping).
Squirrel monkeys live in troops with complex social relationships. The babies are cared for by the mother, with help from other females in the troop. Squirrel monkeys are often used in medical research because they have the largest brain in relation to body size of any primate.
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