Central American squirrel monkey

The Central American squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii) is an endangered primate found in the tropical forests of Central America. These monkeys are distinguished by a circle of black, hairless skin around their nose and mouth, set against a white face. They have short, soft fur that is gray to olive green with whitish underparts, and their hands, arms, and feet are yellow to orange.1

Squirrel monkeys are known for being agile, forming large social groups, and communicating with a variety of calls. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and typically move in single file through the trees, occasionally descending to the ground. Their diet consists of fruits, leaves, insects, and small vertebrates. Females give birth to a single baby, which rides on their back for the first few weeks and remains dependent for about a year.1