What About Spider Monkeys?

Spider monkeys are a type of monkey that live in tropical rainforests in Central and South America. Within the group of monkeys, there are seven species. There are understandably differences between each species, but they also share many similarities. People have likely heard of spider monkeys before, but may not be very familiar with them and do not know much about their lifestyles. Read on to educate yourself on the spider monkey.

Appearance

Spider monkeys fall into a group of monkeys known as “New World monkeys.” These creatures are the five families of primates that reside in rainforests throughout Central and South America. New World monkeys are the only primates with prehensile tails that enable them to grip onto things, such as tree branches, and help them move about as they climb. Other monkeys in this classification include tamarins, capuchins, and a variety of other species within the five families.

Spider monkeys are the largest of the New World monkeys and possess very long limbs and tails; these tails have unique markings and grooves, very similar to fingerprints. Their thumbs are not nearly as pronounced as other primates. Spider monkeys’ fur can range from gold, brown, and black, though sometimes they may also have white fur. These animals also have small heads with nearly hairless faces and wide-set nostrils.

Behavior

Generally, spider monkeys stay in groups of around 20 individuals, though these groups can be up to 40 as well. Within each larger group are a few subgroups, which go off on their own during they day and avoid the rest of the group. These subgroups can consist of just a couple of individuals or have nearly 20.

Spider monkeys use an entire range of vocal sounds, such as barks, screaming, whinnying, or growling. The also communicate with body language and other gestures. Unlike most other primates, male spider monkeys often stick together in their familial groups while female spider monkeys will look for a new group as they hit puberty. However, mothers and their young still retain close bonds.

Out of New World monkeys, spider monkeys are considered very intelligent, which is likely necessary in order to follow their complex social structure and survive in their environment. They eat a widely varied diet. In the wild, spider monkeys easily live to 20 years old, though females only give birth once every 1.5-4 years.

Their status

Spider monkeys are certainly threatened; the black-headed spider monkey and the brown spider monkey are critically endangered. However, the five other species in their genus are also endangered to some degree. Spread information about them and donate to causes that work to help out these creatures.