Resources
Primate Info Net
http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/black_spider_monkey
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National Geographic
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/group/spider-monkeys/
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Wildscreen Arkive
http://www.arkive.org/black-spider-monkey/ateles-paniscus/
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World Wildlife
​https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/black-spider-monkey
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Animal Planet
http://www.animalplanet.com/wild-animals/endangered-species/black-spider-monkey/
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Monkey Mask
Why is it vulnerable?
The Black Spider Monkey is considered vulnerable.This means that the Black Spider Monkeys are likely to become endangered unless the circumstances threatening its survival and reproduction improve. is mainly caused by habitat loss or destruction of the home.
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The survival of the Black Spider Monkey is challenged by many threats.Black Spider Monkeys thrive is large tracts of forest that are undisturbed; therefore, as human disturbance increases in the rainforest, the less habitat will be available for the monkeys.Hunting is another factor causing declines in the population.The large body size makes the spider monkey a prize for hunters.They are also hunted for the meat.The Black Spider Monkey is fully protected under the law; however, illegal hunting still occurs.
The Black Spider Monkey is found in eastern South America in areas north of the Amazon River. They prefer moist tropical evergreen forests that are undisturbed. Rarely, will the monkeys be found in degraded forests or in the edge of habitats. They move in the middle to upper levels of the forest canopy.
Hangin' Around
The Black Spider Monkey primary food are fruits.The amount of fruit available to eat is based on the amount of rainfall the area has received, usually in the months of February through June.The fruit supply is lowest from the end of the rainy season to the beginning of the dry season, usually June through September.During these dry periods, they supplement their diet with other foods, such as flowers, leaves, roots, bulbs, bark, bird eggs, and honey. They usually eat their food either seated or in a hanging position.By using their tails, the monkeys are able to use both hands to gather food or eat.Black Spider Monkeys are important seed dispersers in the rainforest ecosystem and play a crucial role in regenerating tropical forests
What Does the Black Spider Monkey Eat?
The Black Spider Monkeys are rather social animals and gather in groups of 24 to 36. They communicate with many calls, screeches, and barks. At night, they split up into small groups of about half dozen or fewer. They forage in small groups, as well. Females will have one baby every 2 to 5 years and their babies depend on their mother for about 10 weeks. After that time, they go and explore on their own and play amongst themselves. Mothers will care for their young for the first year and will often move with them on their back.
Family Life
Black Spider Monkey (Ateles paniscus),
also known as Guiana Spider Monkey, Red-faced Black Spider Monkey, and Red-Faced Spider Monkey
The Black Spider Monkey is known as the largest of the spider monkey.They have shiny, long black hair that covers their entire body except for their face.The Black Spider Money has a small head with a prominent muzzle. Adult monkeys have a bare face that is red or pink.Baby Black Spider Monkeys usually have a dark face that gets lighter as they get older.
They a long slender body with a round belly, long arms and legs, and long tail.The long arms, legs, and tail allow them to move through the trees using a hand-over-hand motion.They are about 16 to 24 inches tall and weigh 15 to 19 pounds.Also, they have hook-like hands with long fingers.The tail is often used like a fifth arm that can measure 24 to 32 inches.There is a small patch of skin under the tip of the tail that is hairless and has ridges, similar to a finger print.
Click here for a great video from the National Geographic.