Spider monkeys have a prehensile tail, a fifth limb that plays an important role as they spend their days high up in the tropical forest canopy. As National Geographic grantee Andrés Link...

Spider monkeys are restricted to arboreal habitats, mainly in the top of the tree canopy. They range from sea level to higher ground. A recent intelligence comparison gives spider monkeys a value of a little above a gorillas intelligence, so it is reasonable to believe that spider monkeys are among the most intelligent New World monkeys.

Spider monkeys, an endangered species, are the largest monkeys in the Americas and live in the forest canopy, where they swing through the trees with the greatest of ease.

They are found high in trees in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Spider monkeys live in social groups of up to 35 individuals high in the canopy of rainforests, where they forage for food. They diet on fresh fruit and nuts, but will also eat leaves, insects, bird eggs, honey and occasionally flowers.

Apr 29, 2024 · When they're hanging out in trees with all four limbs and their tail stretched out, spider monkeys kind of resemble a spider's shape. Their long, thin arms and legs, plus that prehensile tail, make the name "spider monkey" a perfect fit.

3 days ago · Spider monkey. Michael J. Cohen, Photographer / Getty Images. Found in Central and South America, spider monkeys like the Geoffroy's spider monkey and black-handed spider monkey are agile climbers with long limbs and powerful prehensile tails. ... These tiny creatures live in family groups and dwell in the forest canopy, feeding on tree sap and ...

Apr 18, 2024 · Spider monkeys in Belize are true masters of the art of tree swinging. Their long limbs, specially adapted for life in the trees, allow them to effortlessly navigate the dense canopy of the jungle. With arms that can span over four feet in length, these primates swing from branch to branch with remarkable agility and precision.

As National Geographic grantee Andrés Link explains in this video showing spider monkeys in the Magdalena River Valley of Colombia, the monkeys use their tail for added safety as they grasp tree branches.

Jul 13, 2019 · Spider monkey jumping from tree to tree. After we found these guys, our guide ( I feel bad calling him our guide in this story, but I forgot the kids name.), took us onto a small jungle trail where he found us a family of about 20 spider monkeys all feeding on fruit.

Nov 28, 2024 · Spider monkeys possess several anatomical features that make them well-suited to life in the rainforest: Prehensile Tail: Spider monkeys have a muscular and flexible tail that acts as an additional limb, allowing them to grasp, hang, and swing from tree branches.