Muriqui Photo © Leonardo Pimentel

Northern Muriqui Brachyteles hypoxanthus and
Southern Muriqui Brachyteles arachnoides

The Muriqui or Woolly Spider Monkey is the largest New World primate and has recently been divided into two subspecies, the main difference between the two being the presence of a small thumb in the Northern variety. It may eventually be shown that they are seperate species.

Endemic to the Atlantic forests of Brazil, Muriquis are found in low lying areas from sea level to around 1,000m. Their long limbs and prehensile tails enable them to be particularly agile amongst the trees.

Muriqui Photo © Neil Burchett

Muriquis, were once widespread throughout the Atlantic forests, but today only a handful of small populations survivein protected areas. Muriquis are not only threatened by habitat destruction and fragmentation but have also suffered from excessive hunting for food in the past.

The Northern Muriqui is classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN (See IUCN Red List of Threatened Species for more information on the classification of the Northern Muriqui).

The Southern Muriqui is classified as Endangered by IUCN (See IUCN Red List of Threatened Species for more information on the classification of the Southern Muriqui).

Help Protect the Muriqui and Other Wildlife in Brazil

The World Land Trust's project in the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil protects Muriquis and other wildlife from habitat loss. Please help protect more forest supporting the Brazilian Rainforest Project.

More Information about Muriquis and Their Habitat

• Read more about Brazil
• Read about the Woolly Spider Monkeys seen in REGUA
• Find more information on the Northern Muriqui on ARKive: Images of life on Earth
• Find more information on the Southern Muriqui on ARKive: Images of life on Earth