Florida is home to an unexpected variety of scallywag , making the state a singular place for primate sightings . From dotty population thriving in natural surface area to alien metal money living in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries , monkeys in Floridabring an challenging stratum to the local wildlife scenery .
The diverseness ofmonkeys in Floridaranges from free - roaming troops like the notable Rhesus macaque at Silver Springs to imprisoned species that visitor can discover in assure environments . This article highlights ninetypes of monkeysfound across Florida , providing details on their origin , identifying features , and typical home ground .
Learning aboutmonkeys in Floridaoffers insight into how these creature adjust to dissimilar surround and the challenge of managing non - aboriginal species . This guide will help you identify each scamp species , making it easier to apprize the unique hierarch populations found throughout the state .
Different Types of Monkeys You Might See in Florida
Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)
The Rhesus macaque is a medium - sized monkey with light brown or greyish fur , pink cheek , and expressive eyes . Adult males are generally larger than female person and can weigh up to 17 hammer . They are have intercourse for their gamy adaptability to a broad range of surroundings , let in forests , grasslands , and even urban areas .
In Florida , Rhesus macaques have established a wild universe , especially around Silver Springs State Park and the Ocklawaha River . Originally introduced in the 1930s as part of a jungle cruise attraction , these monkeys escape or were released into the wild , where they now prosper . visitant can spot them in the tree along riverbank or while kayaking through the area .
Rhesus macaques are social animals that live in troops led by predominant males and organized matriarchal hierarchies . They are omnivores , feeding on fruits , seeds , insects , and even small animals . A fun fact : they are one of the few primates known to float frequently and are often seen dive into the water in Florida .
Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus)
Vervet rapscallion are small , quick hierarch with grizzled gray-headed - light-green fur , contraband face , and white eyebrows . They have foresightful limb and tails , making them excellent climber and jumpers . Males are unremarkably larger than females , and both gender have a distinctive blue pelt coloration on their abdomen , peculiarly visible in male .
In Florida , a ferine population of Vervet scallywag resides near Dania Beach in the Fort Lauderdale area . These rapscallion are believe to be descendants of escapee from a inquiry quickness or wayside zoo several decades ago . They have adapted well to the suburban coastal environment , living near canal , trees , and powerlines .
vervet monkey are diurnal and societal , hold out in groups of up to 30 individuals . They are omnivorous but in the first place eat fruits , seeds , farewell , and insects . An interesting fact : Vervet monkeys have a sophisticated system of vocalizations , with specific calls to warn of dissimilar predators , including Snake , eagles , and heavy mammalian .
Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri spp.)
Squirrel monkeys are among the smallest New World monkeys , typically weighing under 2 Egyptian pound . They have a decided coming into court with short chicken limbs , white masquerade party around their eyes and lip , and bootleg - capped heads . These rapscallion are known for their quick , jerky movements and playful demeanor .
Florida once had a universe of squirrel monkeys populate in the wild , particularly in the Naples area , in all likelihood due to discharge or escape from private collections . However , there is no longer an established crazy population today . They can still be seen in zoos or wildlife green throughout the state .
Squirrel imp are extremely social and alive during the day , often traveling in tumid group in search of nutrient . They run on dirt ball , fruit , and little vertebrate . A fun fact : squirrel monkey have one of the highest wit - to - dead body mass ratios of all high priest , making them very intelligent and law-abiding .
Capuchin Monkey (Sapajus spp.)
Capuchin monkeys are medium - sized New World prelate recognized by their reasoning eyes , avaricious tails , and tussock of dour fur on their heads that resemble a cap , hence the name . Their fur is unremarkably a commixture of pick and brown , and they are highly dexterous with their hands .
In Florida , capuchins do not subsist in the wild , but they are commonly kept as exotic pets and are frequently found in individual zoos or animate being sanctuaries . There have been occasional sighting of escapee , but no breed population has formed in the wilderness .
Capuchins are omnivorous and eat yield , worm , nuts , eggs , and small vertebrate . They are known for their remarkable job - solving skills and tool use . A fun fact : in the wilderness , capuchins have been observed using sticks to dig or stones to crack open fruitcake — behavior seldom meet in other monkey coinage .
Crab-eating Macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
Also screw as the long - dock macaque , the crab - eating macaque is native to Southeast Asia and easily recognized by its lithesome habitus , long bottom , and expressive face . It has a greyish - brown coat and males are significantly larger than female person . Their tails can be as long as their eubstance , aiding balance when climb .
In Florida , this species does not exist in the wild but can be found in specialised fauna facilities such as Monkey Jungle in Miami . These institution offer control environments where visitors can observe the macaque in semi - natural enclosure . They do not have a wild , reproducing universe in Florida .
Cancer - eating macaques are highly adaptable and often thrive near body of water , mangroves , or even urban areas in their native range of a function . They are excellent swimmers and from time to time eat crabs and mollusk — hence their name . In enslavement , they are known for their intelligence and arch behaviors , often using tools or solving basic puzzler .
Spider Monkey (Ateles spp.)
wanderer monkeys are big , svelte hierarch with long limb and prehensile backside that function like a fifth arm . aboriginal to Central and South America , these monkeys haveblack or gloomy brownfur and typical bare facial features . Their limbs and tail make them exceptionally nimble in the forest canopy .
In Florida , spider monkeys do not exist in the natural state but can be seen in zoo , wildlife refuge , or eco - tourism destination . They are often house in wide enclosures that allow them to sweep and climb freely , mimicking their instinctive habitat as closely as potential .
wanderer monkeys are social , thinking animals that go in nuclear fission - fusion groups in the state of nature . They trust heavily on fruit for their diet and use complex utterance to communicate . A fun fact : spider monkeys lack thumbs , which enhance their grip for swinging through tree .
Japanese Macaque (Macaca fuscata)
Also have it off as snow rascal , Japanese macaque are famous for their buddy-buddy pelt , red faces , and fondness for hot springs . Native to the mountainous regions of Japan , these monkeys are fabulously cold - large-minded and are the northernmost - living non - human hierarch .
In Florida , Nipponese macaques are not found in the natural state but are now and then kept in wildlife centers or research facilities . They are rare compared to other alien primates in the province and are usually only get a line in specialized fauna care environs .
These monkey are extremely societal and live in matrilinear troops with strict hierarchies . They have been observed washing food and using spicy springs in the wild . Despite their stale - weather descent , they can conform to warmer climates in captivity with proper care .
Howler Monkey (Alouatta spp.)
Howler scamp are among the largest New World monkeys and are well known for their forte , guttural calls that can be hear up to three mile by . They have boneheaded , greedy buttocks , bearded faces , and shaggy pelt that varies in colour reckon on the mintage .
In Florida , howler scalawag do not survive in the wild . They are sometimes kept in zoos or primate sanctuaries for educational and conservation purposes . visitant may hear their thriving vocalizations echoing through these facility during feeding times or societal interactions .
Howler monkeys are folivores , feed principally on leafage , and their dim metabolism suits their low - energy lifestyle . A enchanting fact : their hypertrophied os hyoideum osseous tissue helps exaggerate their call , allow them to cross off territory or commune with removed group member in heavy forests .
Patagonian Titi Monkey (Callicebus spp.)
The Patagonian Oxydendrum arboreum rapscallion , although named after the Patagonia region , is part of a diverse group of little South American monkeys that inhabit forested area . They are recognize by their soft , dense fur , long tails , and small size of it . Most titi monkeys are gray , brown , or reddish in colour .
There is no evidence of thisspecies live in the wilderness in Florida . A few individuals may exist in captivity under private possession or in preservation programs , but sightings are exceedingly rare . They are not part of any known breeding or presentation population in the state .
Titi monkeys are monogamous and live in close - knit fellowship chemical group . They are know for their affectionate behaviour , often watch sitting airless and lace tail end with their mate . Their vocal duets do both bonding and territorial functions , make them some of the most melodious monkey in the primate world .
