COLOMBIAN BROWN-HEADED SPIDER MONKEY
Ateles fusciceps
DESCRIPTION
The Colombian Brown-Headed Spider Monkey is a medium to large primate known for its long limbs and prehensile tail, which it uses for grasping branches. This species is characterized by its brown head and lighter body, making it visually distinct among spider monkeys.
FUN FACTS
- They have a prehensile tail that acts like a fifth limb | Spider monkeys are known for their acrobatic skills in the trees | They can live in groups of up to 30 individuals
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20-30 years in the wild, up to 40 in captivity
Average Weight15-20 kg
Average Length50-70 cm
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuregroup — they typically live in small to medium-sized groups that can include several females and their offspring.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks depending on food availability.
- Habitat
- Colombian Brown-Headed Spider Monkeys inhabit tropical rainforests and moist lowland forests. They are arboreal and spend most of their time in the trees.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest
- Native Range
- They are native to the Pacific coast of Colombia, particularly in the Chocó region.
- Continent
- South America
- Countries
- Colombia
- Diet
- They primarily consume fruits, leaves, and flowers, with a preference for ripe fruits when available. Their diet can vary based on seasonal availability of food sources.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- Fruits, leaves
- Social Structure
- group — they typically live in small to medium-sized groups that can include several females and their offspring.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 5-30
- Territorial
- 1
VU
15-20 kg
Weight
50-70 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Brown head with a lighter body and long limbs.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger than females.
- Lifespan
- 20-30 years in the wild, up to 40 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 230-240 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 4-5 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks depending on food availability.
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Less than 10,000
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and hunting. These factors have significantly impacted their populations.
- Conservation Program
- Various local conservation efforts are in place, but specific programs are limited.
- Predators
- Large birds of prey and jaguars may pose threats to young monkeys.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use vocalizations to warn of predators and rely on their agility to escape into the trees.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon