Mammal · GBIF taxon 2436664
Central American Squirrel Monkey
Saimiri oerstediiAlso known as Red-backed Squirrel Monkey, Orange-backed Squirrel Monkey
Central American squirrel monkeys leap effortlessly through lower canopy layers in social troops that can number up to one hundred individuals. Distinctive bright orange backs and white eye patches frame their expressive faces, making them easily recognized in their coastal forest homes. They communicate continuously using high-pitched twitters, squeaks, and alarm calls as they hunt insects and forage for ripe fruits.
DiurnalArborealSocial
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Katydids
- Caterpillars
- Wild Figs
Predators
- Harpy Eagle
- Tayra
- Boa Constrictor
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat fragmentation, electrical wire hazards, and illegal pet trade
HabitatsLowland tropical rainforests, secondary forests, and coastal woodlands
Life span15 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCebidae
- SpeciesSaimiri oerstedii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Wild primates may bite if cornered; observe quietly from a distance without approaching.
- Why it is dangerous
- Can inflict painful bites or scratches if cornered or directly handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Small, active primates with reddish backs, dark crowns, and white facial masks.
- What to do
- Keep a distance of several meters and never attempt to touch or feed wild individuals.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by their small size, golden-orange fur, and fast-moving troop movements through lower branches.
- Support conservation
- Remain on established park trails and avoid making loud noises or using flash photography near foraging troops.
Responsible observation
- Observe from Trails: Allow troops to move unhindered through their natural canopy corridors.
- Avoid Feeding: Handfeeding wild troops exposes them to human diseases and alters natural behaviors.
Frequent Companion "Agitated white-faced capuchin, Santa Rosa, Bosque seco (dry forest), Guanacaste, Costa Rica" by thejaan is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Habitat Sharer Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Habitat Sharer (c) Cephas, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative "Common Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus)" by brian.gratwicke is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
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