Bare Eared Squirrel Monkey

Kingdom Order Family Genus Species
Animalia Primates Cebidae Saimiri Saimiri ustus
Bare-eared Squirrel Monkey
IUCN Status: Nearly-Threatened
  • 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

Bare-eared Squirrel Monkey Distribution

Bare-eared Squirrel Monkey Characteristics

Bare Eared Squirrel Monkey

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.

Bare-eared Squirrel Monkey Facts

Saimiri Ustus

  • 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.

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BioExplorer.net. (2024, March 27). Bare-eared Squirrel Monkey. Bio Explorer. https://www.bioexplorer.net/animals/mammals/monkeys/bare-eared-squirrel-monkey/.
BioExplorer.net. "Bare-eared Squirrel Monkey" Bio Explorer, 27 March 2024, https://www.bioexplorer.net/animals/mammals/monkeys/bare-eared-squirrel-monkey/.
BioExplorer.net. "Bare-eared Squirrel Monkey" Bio Explorer, March 27 2024. https://www.bioexplorer.net/animals/mammals/monkeys/bare-eared-squirrel-monkey/.
Key References
  • [1]“Squirrel monkey – Wisconsin National Primate Research Center – UW-Madison”. Accessed August 03, 2022. Link.

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