The Colombian Black Spider Monkey is the largest species of New World monkey. It is found in humid tropical forests at elevations up to 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) in Colombia and Panama. As an arboreal species, it spends most of its time in the treetops, rarely descending to the ground. 

This species lives in social groups that can include up to 30 individuals, though they often split into smaller foraging groups of three to four. These smaller groups are typically led by a female. Their diet is primarily composed of fruit, although they also consume leaves for additional protein. The Colombian Black Spider Monkey's large stomach gives it a pot-bellied appearance. It has a brain that is proportionally larger than that of a Howler Monkey, which is thought to be related to its more complex social structure and frugivorous diet. 

The Colombian Black Spider Monkey is classified as Vulnerable due to multiple threats. Hunting for meat, habitat loss due to deforestation, and the species' use in past malaria research have significantly reduced its population. Additionally, its slow reproduction rates—marked by late sexual maturity and long intervals between births—make it difficult for the species to recover in the wild. 

Ecological Role 

Spider monkeys play a vital role in their ecosystem by dispersing seeds. As they feed on a variety of fruits and move through the forest, they excrete undigested seeds in their droppings, which helps to regenerate the rainforest and promote plant growth. 

The Black Spider Monkey group at Fota Wildlife Park has been part of the collection for many years. They now live in a lush, tree-filled area of the park that closely resembles their natural jungle habitat. The oldest member of the troop was born in 1980 and to-date, a total of 15 juveniles have been born in Fota.