Geoffroy’s spider monkey

Description
This is one of the largest primates in the New World. It has a spherical trunk and long, slender limbs. The arms are slightly longer than the legs and the animals have a very long tail. They usually have a black fur with yelowish belly and sides.

Ethology
They are day active and live together in associations of up to 20-30 individuals. However, it is very rare to see them all together, as they feed or rest in small groups of mostly 2-4 individuals. They spend much time in the upper parts of the trees. After a long gestation period of 226-232 days only one young is born.

Interesting facts
Fruits make up 83% of their diet; therefore the species plays a very important role as a seed distributor of plants. It is threatened with extinction, mainly because of the loss of its habitat due to deforestation for timber production or to gain more cultivation or grazing land. In addition, the Geoffroy’s spider monkey suffers from illegal trade in some areas to keep it as a pet; another threat is hunting for its meat.