Species · GBIF taxon 2436643
Geoffroy's Spider Monkey
Ateles geoffroyiAlso known as Black-handed Spider Monkey, Central American Spider Monkey
Geoffroy's spider monkeys navigate the high forest canopy with extraordinary agility, using their long, prehensile tails as a fully functional fifth limb. These highly social primates live in fission-fusion societies, splitting into small foraging parties during the day and reuniting in larger groups to sleep at night. Their loud, metallic barks and whinnies echo through the rainforest, serving to maintain contact across dense vegetation.
ArborealSocialFrugivorous
Licensed referenceCharles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Frugivorous (primarily ripe fruits, supplemented with leaves, flowers, and bark)
- family
- Atelidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, fragmentation, deforestation, and illegal pet trade hunting
- life Span
- Up to 27 years in the wild, over 40 years in captivity
EN
Can deliver a painful bite if cornered or threatened; observe quietly from a respectful distance.
Listed as Endangered due to severe habitat loss from deforestation and pressure from the illegal pet trade.
Never feed or attempt to touch wild monkeys, and support local forest conservation initiatives.- Listen for Vocalizations: Listen for horse-like whinnies or dog-like barks high in the canopy to locate active groups.
- Keep Your Distance: Maintain a respectful distance to avoid causing stress, which can trigger defensive branch-throwing.
- Avoid Eye Contact: Direct, prolonged staring can be interpreted as a threat by dominant group members.