Collins’ Squirrel Monkey

• Common Name: Collins’ Squirrel Monkey
• Taxonomy Classification Year: 1916
• Monkey Size: 27 to 38 cm (15 to 11 in)
• Skin Color(s): Brownish-gray
• Habitat: Forest, rainforest
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Native Countries: Brazil

Collins’ squirrel monkey^[1] is a species of squirrel monkey endemic to Brazil. Collins’ squirrel monkeys have long tails and small, compact bodies.

• Despite its length, the tail is non-prehensile. However, it offers exceptional poise and balance when moving quickly through the trees like a squirrel.
• Their little hands are equipped with nails, not claws, improving their grasping and clinging skills.
• The Collins’ squirrel monkey’s fur is brownish-gray, mainly in color. However, the fur on the legs is bright yellow.
• The yellow fur also mixes with the gray fur on the chest and top of the head.
• The pointed ears are topped with white fur, and white fur surrounds the dark eyes.

• Until a genetic study by Jessica Lynch Alfaro et al. raised them to the species category, Collins’ squirrel monkey had been considered a subspecies of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus).
• Although it occasionally ventures to the ground to play or feed, this species is strictly an arboreal creature.
• It is a social and gregarious monkey that lives in dynamic and large groups. Between meals, this group will stop to socialize and rest.
• By traveling, socializing, foraging, and sleeping together in large numbers, they protect themselves and their resources against potential rivals.
• Their groups consist of several males and females, with the females holding the central dominant positions.