These striking looking primates may be small in stature but they’re big on personality.
The male is instantly recognisable due to the jet black hair covering most of his body, apart from his face which is a whitey/pink colour. They sport a rather fetching ‘tash’ too! Whereas the females are grey/brown in colour and have a ‘beatles’ inspired haircut!
Originating from South American rainforests, they are arboreal which means they prefer to spend their time in the trees. They very rarely climb down to the forest floor, preferring the middle to lower canopy.
These charismatic creatures can move surprisingly quickly through the canopy, a great asset to avoid predators like the harpy eagle or ocelots.
Conservation
Thankfully, these primates are classed as ‘least concern’ as much of their population is in protected areas of forest. However, deforestation is a rising global issue for many primate species, so their population must be closely monitored. They are occasionally hunted for meat or captured for the pet trade.
How can you help white faced saki?
Purchase sustainable wood products that are FSC certified, this ensures that the wood has been sourced from a certified and therefore more sustainable location.
Latin name
Pithecia pithecia
Class
Mammalia
Order
Primates
Family
Pitheciidae
Conservation status
Least concern
South America, in and around Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana.
Very, they mostly move on all fours but do sometimes run in an upright position.
They are frugivorous. That means they mainly eat fruit. They do sometimes eat seeds and nuts too.
