Black-handed Spider Monkey

Geoffroy’s spider monkey, also known as the black-handed spider monkey or Central American spider monkey, is a captivating New World primate native to Central America, parts of Mexico, and possibly a small region in Colombia. As one of the largest monkeys in the New World, adults can weigh up to 9 kilograms. These monkeys are easily identified by their elongated arms, prehensile tails, and hook-like fingers, which they utilize to navigate the treetops with remarkable agility.

Living in social groups that range from 20 to 42 individuals, Geoffroy’s spider monkeys primarily subsist on a diet of ripe fruit. These animals depend on extensive, forested habitats to thrive. Unfortunately, due to habitat destruction, hunting, and capture for the pet trade, Geoffroy’s spider monkey has been classified as endangered by the IUCN.

Taxonomically, Geoffroy’s spider monkey belongs to the Atelidae family and the Atelinae subfamily, specifically within the Ateles genus. The species name "geoffroyi" honors the French naturalist Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. There are at least five recognized subspecies, each inhabiting different types of forests across Central America. The monkeys are distinguished by their long limbs, vestigial thumbs, and prehensile tails.

Behaviorally, these monkeys are arboreal and diurnal, meaning they reside in trees and are active during daylight hours. They live in fission–fusion societies, where the size and composition of their groups frequently change throughout the day. Mastering various forms of locomotion, including brachiation (swinging from branch to branch), they communicate through a combination of vocalizations and nonvocal displays.

Geoffroy’s spider monkey is highly intelligent, capable of recognizing different foods and remembering locations. Their diet consists mainly of fruit and leaves, and they source water from tree holes and other natural reservoirs.

These monkeys face threats from predators like large cats and humans. Females give birth every two to four years following a gestation period of approximately 7.5 months, typically producing one or two offspring. Females reach sexual maturity around four years of age, while males mature by five.

Conservation efforts are crucial due to ongoing habitat loss and hunting pressures. Some areas have already witnessed the local extinction of these monkeys, but reintroduction initiatives, such as those on Barro Colorado Island, have shown promise. Despite these efforts, Geoffroy’s spider monkey remains endangered, underscoring the urgent need for continued protection and habitat conservation.