Range and Habitat: Common squirrel monkeys live in the tropical forests of South America. They usually forage in the understory layer of the rainforests.
Squirrel monkeys are diurnal (day active) and arboreal (tree-dwelling). They live together in large male and female groups with up to 100 or more members.
Squirrel monkeys are omnivores, primarily eating fruits and insects. Occasionally they also eat nuts, buds, eggs, and small vertebrates.
Fun Facts: Squirrel monkeys perform a behavior called "urine washing" where they urinate into their hands, then vigorously rub the urine on their bodies. Squirrel monkeys are thought to be one of the most intelligent species of primate and are known to have the largest brain to body mass ration of all monkey species in the world.
