One of the most extraordinary—and rarest—members of the squirrel monkey genus. Unlike its more widespread cousins, this species is found in an incredibly tiny range: a small stretch of flooded rainforest along the upper Rio Negro in northwestern Brazil, within the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve. Its entire global distribution is estimated at just a few thousand square kilometers, making it one of the most range-restricted primates in the world.
Visually, the black squirrel monkey is a little different from the classic “death’s head” squirrel monkey look. While it shares the same small, slender body, agile limbs, and long balancing tail, its coat has much darker tones—with blackish fur covering the back, head, and limbs, contrasted with pale yellowish underparts. Its face retains the distinctive white mask and black muzzle of squirrel monkeys, giving it that mischievous, alert look.
What makes the black squirrel monkey especially fascinating is its flooded forest lifestyle. The Mamirauá reserve, where it lives, is a seasonally flooded várzea forest, meaning that for several months of the year, the trees stand in several meters of water. During this time, the monkeys adapt by living high in the canopy, feeding on fruits, insects, and small animals. When the water recedes, they descend lower, foraging among shrubs and fallen vegetation. This flood-pulse rhythm shapes their entire behavior and diet, a rare adaptation among primates.
Socially, the black squirrel monkey follows the genus pattern of being highly social, moving in large, lively troops that can number in the dozens. These troops are noisy, fast-moving, and constantly foraging, with individuals communicating through an impressive range of chirps, trills, and alarm calls. Their intelligence shines through in their flexible foraging strategies, and their presence in large groups offers protection against predators such as harpy eagles and tree boas.
Distribution
Brazil
Official estimate
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Group
Diet: Carnivore / Frugivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
