AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN ENInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Endangered — faces a very high risk of extinction if threats are not urgently addressed.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Saimiri oerstedii
Central American squirrel monkey
Reinhardt, 1872
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Small, highly active primate with orange fur on its back, a white face, and a black mask.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Mono tití
Red-backed squirrel monkeyMono ardilla
Saïmiri à dos rouxTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Primates
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Cebidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Saimiri
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Reinhardt, 1872
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Dry Season
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Prefers secondary forests and lowland forests near the Pacific coast.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is extremely agile and moves quickly through the middle levels of the forest.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Live in large, cohesive groups that can exceed 50 individuals.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Omnivore; its diet is based mainly on insects and small fruits.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Helps control insect populations and is a food source for raptors.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
They have a synchronized breeding season; all births occur within a few weeks.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
26.0 - 29.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
700 g - 1.10 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
24 - 36 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
145 - 155
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males12 - 15 Years
Females12 - 15 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Very high brain-to-body ratio, indicating high cognitive intelligence.
Long, non-prehensile tail used exclusively for balance during acrobatic jumps.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Extreme habitat fragmentation due to agriculture and tourism development.
Use of pesticides in banana and palm plantations affecting their health and diet.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is the smallest primate in Central America and one of the most endangered.
Unlike other squirrel monkeys, this species has a very striking reddish-orange back.