Protecting Endangered Species: The Central American Squirrel Monkey

Protecting Endangered Species: The Central American Squirrel Monkey

Also known as the red-backed squirrel monkey, the Central American squirrel monkey is mainly found in Panama and the coast of Costa Rica. These monkeys have distinctive features such as a white and black facial mask and an orange back. Being omnivorous, they eat fruits and a variety of plants. They typically live in groups of 20 to 70 monkeys. Unlike their larger relatives, Central American squirrel monkeys use their tail primarily for balance and move through trees on four legs. The Central American squirrel monkey is a noisy animal, using chirps, squeals, and whistles as the main forms of communication.

Conservation Status

Due to ongoing habitat loss, the Central American squirrel monkey has been listed as an endangered species since 2008. Since the 1970’s, the Central American squirrel monkey population has reduced significantly, from about 200,000 to less than 5,000.

Threats

The biggest threat to the Central American squirrel monkey is the loss of habitat, especially due to illegal logging, deforestation, and urbanization. Other threats posed by humans include hunting and capture for pet trade.

Unshielded power lines also pose as a lethal threat to the Central American squirrel monkey species. Due to their loss of habitat and urbanization, these monkeys can frequently find themselves near dangerous electrical equipment such as substations and unshielded power lines.

Protect the Central American Squirrel Monkey from Unshielded Power Lines with Critter Guard

While the Central American squirrel monkeys are beautiful animals, their instinctive nature to climb and travel through the middle to high canopy layer of the forest can lead them to do the same on unshielded power lines. This poses an electrocution risk.

At Critter Guard, we have designed our Pole Guard and Line Guard products to help prevent monkeys, squirrels, and other wildlife from accessing important electrical equipment such as transformers, substations, and power lines. This measure offers both protection to the animals and prevents power outages. If you are interested in learning more about our products and how they can help protect the Central American squirrel monkey species and preserve power around the globe, contact us today!