Species Data
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Family: Atelidae
Scientific Name: Ateles fusciceps fusciceps
IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered
IUCN Species Range Map
Description
This primate is a uniform black or brown colour with a brown head. Unlike other species of spider monkey, it does not show any white markings.
Behaviour
Brown-headed spider monkeys feed on a variety of forest fruit and are an important disperser of seeds for many plants. They live in large groups of 20-30 and spend the majority of their time in the canopy.
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical forests at altitude in Ecuador and Colombia.
Threats and Conservation
The Brown-headed spider monkey is one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world and is still in decline. They are affected by deforestation for commercial forestry and agricultural developments, as well as illegal hunting for their meat and fur.
