Common squirrel monkey

Description:

These monkeys where spotted outside a reptile park in Limpopo province South Africa. The common squirrel monkey is considered both frugivorous and insectivorous, preferring berry-like fruit on branches. When in captivity, the squirrel monkeys are fed fruits like apples, oranges, grapes, and bananas. They also consume a variety of vegetables that include lettuce, celery, and onions. Squirrel monkeys also looks for insects, and small vertebrates, such as tree frogs. It obtains a majority of water from the foods eaten, and will also obtain water from holes in trees and puddles on the ground. When fruit is scarce, the common squirrel monkey will drink nectar.

Habitat:

They like vegetation which provides good cover from birds of prey in the rainforest, savannah, mangroves, or marshlands.

Notes:

Status: The common squirrel monkey is rated as "least concern" by IUCN from a conservation perspective. However, the common squirrel monkey is among many rainforest animals whose status may be harmed by deforestation. The species has also been captured extensively for the pet trade and for medical research. As pets: Due to its inquisitive nature this species is a popular pet and it requires a large amount of space and food.