Spider Monkey

Spider monkeys are a large and very dynamic species of primate with a social structure that is similar to the chimpanzee. Living in small subgroups which are very fluid, they come together in large social groups to feed and travel together. Genetic diversity is maintained in spider monkeys by females leaving their natal group. Male relationships are also very strong in spider monkeys and have been described as being the strongest relationship outside of the mother infant bond.

Their diet consists of up to 90% ripe fruit, with the remainder being made up from leaves, flowers, buds, bark, honey and insects.

Spider monkeys are considered to be highly intelligent animals and they utilise a wide range of vocal and non-vocal communication.

Spider monkeys can travel through trees as fast as a man can run on ground – using a method of locomotion called brachiation which involves a movement of arm over arm swinging through the branches.

Their arms are 25% longer than their legs while their tails are longer than their bodies. The tail is utilised as a fifth limb and has a padded palm-like patch at the end that allows for a strong grip when moving through the forest, holding food items or hanging from a branch.