Saimiri sciureus (Squirrel Monlcey) 
Utilization 
The squirrel monicey is the second most widely used primate hy the 
v/orldwide biomedical community. The numbers required within the United 
States rank third after the Macaca mulatta and the M. fascicularis . The 
estimated 4,500 required each year are used for a wide variety of health 
research and testing purposes, including the major areas of nutrition 
and cardiovascular research, and studies concerning neurophysiology, 
pharmacology, and toxicology, to name just a few. The squirrel morikey 
is considered to be a general-purpose experimental primate. 
Foreign Sources 
Although the squirrel monlcey is widely distributed in significant 
numbers throughout northern South America and Central America, each 
geographical group has differing population levels. Those foimd in the 
regions near Leticia in Colombia and Iquitos in Peru, traditionally used 
for biomedical purposes because of the extensive baseline of data which 
defines these animals, are in most demand but, unfortunately, are no 
longer available through commercial channels. 
It is, however, expected that this animal may be available in limited 
numbers from these regions as a result of the PAHO primate production 
program. The squirrel monlcey from other areas is currently available 
commercially. 
Production in United States 
Three general-purpose production colonies of squirrel monlceys are 
supported by the Public Health Service. These colonies are expected to 
produce 750 to 800 animals each year. 
Recommendations 
Current supply sources for the squirrel monkey appear to be adequate. 
Animals are available from commercial sources as well as from domestic 
breeding colonies. Additional animals are also expected to become 
available through the PAHO primate production program. Therefore, 
supplementing our domestic production capacity is not warranted at this 
time, although the situation should be continually reevaluated and 
appropriate action taken as the circumstances may dictate. 
Efforts should also be made to obtain baseline data for many of the more 
widely distributed geographic groups to determine if they might be as 
desirable as those currently used for research models. Increasing the 
utility of this animal is in concert with general conservation principles 
since our demand for a few threatened geographical groups is thereby 
reduced. 
66 
