As suggested by its name, the Colombian Black Spider Monkey is a black-coloured primate known for its long limbs, thumb-less hands, and prehensile tail, which it uses to grasp objects and help with balance as it moves through its forest environment. Unlike many other primates, it often drags its arms along the ground while traveling, relying on its tail for balance. Females are slightly larger than males and can weigh up to 9 kg (20 lbs).
Latin Name
Ateles fusciceps rufiventris
Biome
Tropical Forests
Class
Mammal
Order
Primates
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Colombian Black Spider Monkey
Habitat
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.
Wild Notes
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.
Conservation
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.
Did you Know
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 Fota Connection
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.