WHITE-BELLIED SPIDER MONKEY
Ateles belzebuth
DESCRIPTION
Also called the Black-faced Spider Monkey and Bearded Spider Monkey, the White-bellied Spider Monkey (Ateles belzebuth) is a large primate known for its long limbs and prehensile tail, which it uses for grasping branches as it moves through the trees. This species has a distinctive appearance with a white belly and face, contrasting with its dark fur on the rest of the body. They are highly social animals, often found in groups, and are known for their acrobatic skills and vocalizations, which play a crucial role in their communication and social interactions.
FUN FACTS
- White-bellied Spider Monkeys are known for their unique vocalizations, which can include a variety of hoots and screams that help maintain group cohesion and alert others to danger
- They also have a highly flexible diet, allowing them to adapt to seasonal changes in food availability, which is crucial for their survival in the diverse ecosystems they inhabit
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20-30 years in the wild, up to 40 in captivity
Average Weight15-19 kg
Average Length50-70 cm
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social StructureThey live in groups, typically consisting of 10-30 individuals, which are often matriarchal in structure.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks depending on the region
- Habitat
- They inhabit tropical rainforests and moist lowland forests, often preferring areas with abundant fruiting trees. These monkeys are arboreal, spending most of their time in the canopy.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest
- Native Range
- The native range of the White-bellied Spider Monkey includes parts of Central and South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin.
- Continent
- South America
- Countries
- Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela
- Diet
- White-bellied Spider Monkeys primarily eat fruits, leaves, and flowers, with a preference for ripe fruits when available.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- Fruits, leaves
- Social Structure
- They live in groups, typically consisting of 10-30 individuals, which are often matriarchal in structure.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-30
- Territorial
- 1
VU
NT
15-19 kg
Weight
50-70 cm
Length
- Coloration
- They have dark fur with a distinctive white or cream-colored belly and face.
- 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 the region
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of White-bellied Spider Monkeys is currently declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Less than 20,000
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and hunting. These factors have significantly impacted their populations and continue to pose risks to their survival.
- Predators
- Large birds of prey, jaguars, and other large carnivores may prey on young or vulnerable individuals.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on their agility and speed to escape predators, often using their vocalizations to alert others in the group.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon