Black spider monkey
Background
This information has been reviewed by Dr Meg Symington, Director, Latin America and Caribbean, WWF-US.Spider monkeys are encountered in healthy tropical rainforests in Central and South America. They are vulnerable to hunting and habitat loss due to human activity. The black spider monkey, Ateles paniscus, is one of three species of spider monkey.
Physical Description
Black spider monkeys are one of the largest primates in south America. They exhibit anatomical and locomotory adaptions not unlike those of apes.Their prehensile tail allows them to find stability when sitting on branches, to reach out for food at the tip of fragile branches by suspending themselves, and also as a fifth member for moving in perilous places.
Size
Their weight ranges from 7 to 9 kg. Body ranges from 40 to 60 cms, and the tail is 60-80 cms.
Colour
Black all over, although the face can be a different colour.
Habitat
Major habitat typeTropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Biogeographic realm
Neotropical
Range States
Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil
Geographical Location
Northern South America
Ecological Region
Guianan Moist Forests