| Range: |
Northern South America |
| Habitat: |
Forests |
| Conservation Status: |
Common |
| Scientific Name: |
Pithecia pithecia |
Sakis are known as "flying monkeys," capable of leaping as much as 30 feet between branches. These active monkeys live in the treetops of the South American rainforests, where they feed on seeds, fruit, insects, and small animals. Thanks to their sturdy canine teeth, they can easily crack open the hard shells of nuts and seeds. Sakis live in small family groups. After a 146-day pregnancy, females give birth to one grizzled-brown infant. At two months, young males begin changing color -- to black with white faces. But females remain brown. Sakis perform an interesting threat display. They fluff up and vigorously shake their body hair, then stomp their feet in an arched-back posture. Did you know?Sakis are often hunted for food and captured for pets.
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