O Spider monkey (genus Ateles) is a monkey known for being robust and for its agility when moving. Despite its stubby hands, this animal can move quickly through trees, using its long tail as a fifth limb.
The seven species of true spider monkeys are classified in the genus Ateles. The muriqui, which is a close relative but not a true spider monkey, is placed in the genus Brachyteles.
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It can be found in forests ranging from southern Mexico to Brazil.
Spider monkeys weigh about 6 kg and are between 35 and 66 centimeters long, excluding the tail, which is longer than the body. The hair, of variable length and fineness, has its own characteristics, according to the species. It goes from gray to red, going through dark brown and black. Most have a black face and skin making lighter rings around the eyes.
The monkeys live in groups of up to 35 animals, but feed in smaller groups. They roam the highest branches of trees during the day. They feed more intensively at the beginning of the day, enjoying fruits, seeds, flowers and leaves, as well as eggs and spiders. They grab objects with their long tail and hang from branches using only that limb.
Usually females of the species have only one calf per gestation, which lasts about seven months. The time between births ranges from two to five years. The cubs are cared for by their mother until they are ten months old. When small, they stay on their mothers' backs to make displacement easier.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, all species of true spider monkeys are threatened. Two of them – the brown spider monkey (A. fusciceps) and the brown spider monkey (A. hybridus) are listed as critically endangered.
Spider monkeys are widely hunted for food by the population. Consequently, part of its population decline has been attributed to hunting pressure. However, habitat loss resulting from logging and deforestation is believed to also play a significant role. Spider monkeys are susceptible to malaria and are used in laboratory studies on the disease.
