Titi Monkey

NAME:

Titi Monkey

ZOO NAME:

Uno (born 4/19/93) & Chiquita (born 12/19/00)

CLASS:

Mammalia

GENUS:

Callicebus

SPECIES:

C. donacophilus

LENGTH:

11-15”

WEIGHT:

2 lbs

LIFESPAN:

17 yrs (captivity), 10-12 yrs (wild)

DIET:

Fruit, Leaves, Insects, Eggs, Sap, Small Vertebrates

PREDATORS:

Man, Snakes, Cats

RANGE

South America from Columbia to Brazil, Peru & northern Paraguay

HABITAT

Low Rainforest Canopy, near rivers.

CHARACTERISTICS

The Titi Monkey has long, soft fur that is usually reddish, brownish or black with a lighter underside. Some species have a bright collar or black stripes at the head. The tail of a Titi Monkey is always furry and is not prehensile (cannot grasp).

BEHAVIOR

Titi Monkeys are awake during the day and spend most of their lives in the trees. Males are the primary food gatherers. These monkeys move in the treetops by jumping from branch to branch. Although Titi Monkeys sleep at night, they also take a mid-day nap. They are territorial and live in small family groups of about 3-7 animals. They defend their small territory by shouting and chasing off intruders. Typically, Titi Monkeys can be seen in pairs, sitting or sleeping with their tails entwined.

REPRODUCTION

Monogamous animals that mate for life, Titi Monkeys seem to share a strong bond. Gestation is 4 ½ months, producing one baby (twins occur rarely) that is born between December and April. Males help with childrearing by carrying the infant for the baby’s first 4-5 months, except when the female is nursing. The young are weaned at 5 months and are fully grown in 2 years. Young Titi Monkeys may also assist with the care and protection of their younger siblings. Juveniles leave their parents’ group after 3 years to find mates of their own.