The Squirrel Monkey
Meet the Squirrel Monkey: Costa Rica’s Tiny Acrobat
Among the four monkey species in Costa Rica, the squirrel monkey is the smallest and perhaps the most playful. Known locally as mono titi, these monkeys are bursting with energy and spend their days leaping from branch to branch in tight-knit groups. Their expressive faces and lively nature make them one of the most delightful animals to encounter on a rainforest hike.
Key Facts
Size: 25–35 cm (10–14 inches), with tails longer than their bodies
Weight: 0.7–1.1 kg (1.5–2.5 pounds)
Lifespan: 15–20 years in the wild, up to 25 in captivity
Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, flowers, small vertebrates, and bird eggs
Social groups: 20–70 individuals, sometimes more during peak feeding times
Fascinating Facts
Squirrel monkeys are incredibly agile, able to leap impressive distances between trees with speed and precision. Their long tails help them balance, though they are not prehensile like those of howler or spider monkeys.
These monkeys are very vocal, using chirps, squeaks, and alarm calls to communicate with their group. When foraging, they often split into smaller subgroups but maintain contact through constant chatter.
Mothers carry their babies on their backs for several months, and the young quickly learn how to navigate the trees by mimicking adults. Unlike the more laid-back howlers, squirrel monkeys are nearly always on the move.
Although they are small, they play a vital role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and controlling insect populations.
Habitat and Behavior
Squirrel monkeys are found in the southern Pacific lowlands of Costa Rica, especially around Manuel Antonio National Park and Corcovado National Park. They thrive in tropical forests where fruit and insects are abundant.
They are diurnal, active mostly during the day, and spend nearly all of their time in the canopy. Their large groups provide protection against predators, as many eyes and ears help detect danger.
Where to See Squirrel Monkeys in Costa Rica
Some of the best spots to encounter squirrel monkeys include:
Manuel Antonio National Park
Corcovado National Park
Guides familiar with their habits can point out the groups as they travel noisily through the trees in search of food.
