Geoffroy's Spider Monkey

The geoffroy's spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) is a species of spider monkey which is mostly found in Central America, Mexico and very few parts of Colombia.  It is also known as the black handed spider monkey.  They are endangered and is also extinct in some parts of its range.


Physical Features                                                 The tails help in balancing                                                                                                                      

The geoffroy's spider monkey has a body length of about 60    centimeters and weighs about 9 kilograms which makes it one of the largest New World Monkey.  Its tail is longer than the body, measuring about 85 centimeters.  They have very thin arms and legs.  The arms are about 25% longer than the legs.  The body color varies according to the subspecies like red, buff, rust, brown and black.  Males are slightly larger than females.  Geoffroy's monkeys have thumbless arms which makes brachiation.  Females have an organ called the clitoris, which is large and protrudes, looking like a penis.  It looks like a males penis which is why many scientists have mistaken a female for a male.  They have a prehensile tail which helps them th balance thier body while they jump from one tree to another.


Distribution
The geoffroy's spider monkey is found in many parts of Centrals America.  The countries it is found are Nicaragua, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize.  It is also found in some parts of Mexico and Colombia.  They are found in rainforests, even semi deciduous forests and mangroves.


Diet
The geoffroy's spider monkey mostly eats fruits.  They spend about 80 % of their time eating fruits and leaves.  Leaves are also important in their diet as it gives protein which is not present in fruits.  They also eat flowers, barks, honey and insects.


Conservation Status
The geoffroy's spider monkey is endangered.  They are endangered as they are captured for pet trade and are also hunted.  Geoffroy's spider monkey is endangered mainly because of habitat loss as it needs a large space to live due to its big size.


Source of picture 1: http://www.maxwaugh.com/cr08/monkey7.php
Source of picture 2:http://www.sch.im/wlp/pages/black%20spider%20monkey%201.htm