Bare-eared Squirrel Monkey

• Common Name: Bare-eared Squirrel Monkey
• Taxonomy Classification Year: 1843
• Monkey Size: 25 to 35 cm (9.8 to 13.8 inches)
• Skin Color(s): Black, grey, yellow, and orange
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Native Countries: Brazil, Bolivia

The bare-eared squirrel monkey^[1] also called the golden-backed squirrel monkey, are a subspecies of the Saimiri sciureus group native to the tropical forests and jungles of South and Central America.

• Bare-eared squirrel monkeys have masks of white fur around their eyes and black or dark brown around their mouths and chins.
• Species in the Saimiri sciureus group have a “gothic” arch. The white fur rises dramatically, and the darker fur on the head forms a deep “V” between the eyes.
• The bare-eared squirrel monkey differs from other species because it does not have ear tufts.
• Also, it is yellowish or orange on its forearms, feet, and hands with a brownish-gray head.

• Their small size makes squirrel monkeys vulnerable to a wide range of predators throughout their range, including birds of prey, felids, and snakes.
• Bare-eared squirrel monkeys can only sweat through the palms of their feet and hands. This makes their feet and hands feel damp when touched.
• Their females have a pseudo-penis which they use to show dominance over smaller monkeys just like their male counterparts show dominance.
• Unlike other New World monkeys, the tail of bare-eared squirrel monkeys is not used for climbing but as a kind of “balance pole” and a tool.
• The genus name is of Tupi origin (sai-mirim meaning sai “monkey” and mirim “little“) and was used as an English name by early researchers too.