Peruvian spider monkey

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Peruvian spider monkey [1]
Ateles chamek SP Zoo.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Suborder: Haplorhini
Infraorder: Simiiformes
Family: Atelidae
Genus: Ateles
Species:
A. chamek
Binomial name
Ateles chamek
(Humboldt, 1812)
Peruvian Spider Monkey area.png
Peruvian Spider Monkey range

The Peruvian spider monkey (Ateles chamek), also known as the black-faced black spider monkey, is a species of spider monkey that lives in Peru, as well as in Brazil and in Bolivia. At 60 centimetres (2 feet) long, they are relatively large among species of monkey, and their strong, prehensile tails can be up to 1 m (3 ft) long. Unlike many species of monkey, they have only a vestigial thumb, an adaptation which enables them to travel using brachiation. [3] Peruvian spider monkeys live in groups of 20–30 individuals, but these groups are rarely all together simultaneously. The size and dynamics of the resulting subgroups vary with food availability and sociobehavioral activity. [2] They prefer to eat fleshy fruit, but will change their diet in response to scarcity of ripe fruit. [4] Individuals of this species also eat small animals, insects and leaves based on availability. Females separate from the band to give birth, typically in the fall. These females inhabit a group of core areas where resources are abundant in certain seasons. [2] Typically, males exhibit ranging over longer distances than females, with movement of individuals enhancing the fluidity of subgroup size. Peruvian spider monkey are independent at about 10 months, with a lifespan of about 20 years. [2]

Contents

Characteristics

The Peruvian spider monkey weighs up to 9 kilograms (20 pounds). [5] Its body can be 70 cm (28 in) long and the tail can be 1 m (40 in) long. It has four elongated fingers and virtually no thumb, which is typical for spider monkeys but unusual for other monkeys. It can move easily through the trees and it has a prehensile tail like other species in the genus Ateles, which it uses to assist with brachiation. [6] It has an agility that can only be compared to the gibbon of Asia. It has a life span of up to 20 years. [7]

Distribution

The species occurs in central-northern of Bolivia, north-eastern Peru, and the central-western Brazilian Amazon. [8] [9] The species was recently found to occur in the northern bank of Solimões River, at the Mamirauá Reserve, where it probably colonized through a river meander cutoff process. [8] They live primarily in lowland forests, occupying the canopy and the sub-canopy, but they have been observed using various habitat types, including dry and hilly areas such as the piedmont and cerrado forests, and have been observed to move depending on food availability. [6] [10] They were also observed living in Amazonian seasonally flooded forests. [8] They live in territorial bands of 6–12 individuals whose territory covers about 20 square kilometers. [5] Band size is somewhat seasonal, [11] probably because females separate themselves from the band for a few months to give birth, primarily in the fall. It has to contest with other spider monkeys, woolly monkeys, and howler monkeys for food and territory. [7]

Food

The Peruvian spider monkey feeds on leaves, berries, small animals such as birds and frogs, flowers, termites, honey, grubs, and fruits. It is primarily frugivorous with a tendency to exhibit folivory in times of fruit scarcity. [4] It will also eat insects, baby birds, bird eggs, and frogs. [7] In the Amazon, groups of Peruvian spider monkeys show strong seasonal variations in habitat based on the availability of fleshy fruits. [10] The foraging habits of this species causes the monkeys to be a vital component of seed dispersal patterns for many tree species in Amazonia. [12]

Growth and reproduction

The spider monkey has a reproductive period that can span throughout the year, though most offspring are born at the start of the Autumn season. It has a gestation period of about 140 days. The pregnant female leaves the group to have her baby and returns 2–4 months later. The newborn spider monkey is independent at about 10 months. [7]

Conservation status

This species of spider monkey, in addition to other species within the genus Ateles, is threatened due to exploitation by humans and habitat loss. It is currently listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as Endangered and is listed in Appendix II of CITES despite having been listed as a species of "Least concern" in 2003. [2] The IUCN experts claim that the number of individuals has declined by at least 50% over the past 45 years. Researchers suggest that the species may effectively occupy only 28% of its entire range, and that only 32% of the species’ area of occupancy is legally protected. [9] They also suggests that 31–40% of the species’ habitat will be lost by 2050. This decline is partially due to the fact that these monkeys are targeted by hunters for sale and consumption in the Amazonian bushmeat trade. Furthermore, habitat in the southern part of its range is being developed for agriculture and habitat in the southwestern Peruvian region of Madre de Dios is being polluted and destroyed by illegal mining activity. [2] In Peru, illicit extraction of timber and wildlife products remain issues even in protected areas. [13] Studies show that in heavily hunted and farmed areas, large-bodied primate species such as spider monkeys are likely to be some of the first species to be extirpated. [14] [15] Reintroduction efforts by researchers at Reserva Ecologica Taricaya have begun along the lower Madre de Dios river where conservation efforts now provide a suitable release site and protected habitat. [15]

In addition to external appearance, the Peruvian spider monkey differs from the red-faced spider monkey by the number of chromosomes (2n = 32 in the red-faced vs. 2n = 34 in the Peruvian) in addition to several specific chromosomal differences. The two species have been interbred in captivity, resulting in offspring with reduced fertility (but not sterility). [16] There are several related species such as the Central American spider monkey or Geoffroy's spider monkey (A. geoffroyi), and the brown spider monkey (A. hybridus) and the species' closest relative the white-bellied spider monkey (A. belzebuth). All of these have a prehensile tail, a thumbless hand, and other characteristics that are found in all spider monkeys. [17]

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atelidae</span> Family of New World monkeys

The Atelidae are one of the five families of New World monkeys now recognised. It was formerly included in the family Cebidae. Atelids are generally larger monkeys; the family includes the howler, spider, woolly, and woolly spider monkeys. They are found throughout the forested regions of Central and South America, from Mexico to northern Argentina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spider monkey</span> Genus of mammals belonging to the New World monkeys

Spider monkeys are New World monkeys belonging to the genus Ateles, part of the subfamily Atelinae, family Atelidae. Like other atelines, they are found in tropical forests of Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Brazil. The genus consists of seven species, all of which are under threat; the brown spider monkey is critically endangered. They are also notable for their ability to be easily bred in captivity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bald uakari</span> Species of New World monkey

The bald uakari or bald-headed uakari is a small New World monkey characterized by a very short tail; bright, crimson face; a bald head; and long coat. The bald uakari is restricted to várzea forests and other wooded habitats near water in the western Amazon of Brazil and Peru.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black squirrel monkey</span> Species of New World monkey

The black squirrel monkey, also known as the blackish squirrel monkey or black-headed squirrel monkey, is a small New World primate, endemic to the central Amazon in Brazil. It largely resembles the female of the far more common Bolivian squirrel monkey, though the latter lacks the black central back.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White-bellied spider monkey</span> Species of New World monkey

The white-bellied spider monkey, also known as the white-fronted or long-haired spider monkey, is an endangered species of spider monkey, a type of New World monkey. It is found in the north-western Amazon in Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru and Brazil, ranging as far south as the lower Ucayali River and as far east as the Branco River. In the past, the Peruvian, brown and white-cheeked spider monkeys have been treated as subspecies of A. belzebuth. As presently defined, the white-bellied spider monkey is monotypic. It has a whitish belly and a pale patch on the forehead, which, despite its common name, often is orange-buff, though this might be due to dirt and other stainers. They live in groups of 20 to 40 individuals, splitting into small parties of 1 to 9 when in activity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red-faced spider monkey</span> Species of New World monkey

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rio Mayo titi monkey</span> Species of New World monkey

The Rio Mayo titi monkey is a species of titi monkey, a type of New World monkey, endemic to Peru. The Rio Mayo titi, was thought previously to have a small range of origin in the Alto Mayo valley, but research has proven that the range extends southward and reaches the Huayamba River, as well as Bajo Mayo. It had been classified as vulnerable but due to major habitat loss and restricted living space, it is now classified as Critically Endangered. In October 2012, it was included in The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates list. An increase in deforestation is leading to the decrease in available living space for this titi monkey, forcing it to live in sympatry with another species of Callicebus. Yet in some areas, such drastic deforestation has resulted in extremely high population density. The Rio Mayo titi is better adapted to moderately populated areas, thus overpopulation negatively impacts the species. The forests the Rio Mayo titi lives in are being destroyed for agricultural purposes, leaving little forest for the monkeys. They were only seen a few times and featured in museums until 2003 when more research was done on them. In order for this species to survive, their forests need to be protected to avoid overpopulation. Different conservation groups are working to help P. oenanthe survive. Neotropical Primate Conservation, Proyecto Mono Tocón and Amazónicos para la Amazonia are working in the more southern areas to protect the monkey. The Rio Mayo titi is a fairly inconspicuous creature, making observation and research difficult to obtain. Therefore, the traditional use of transect observation to monitor the monkey's population, is less effective. Instead, other methods of calculating the titi monkey's density in certain areas have been taken, such as research into the species-specific calls endemic to a certain area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black bearded saki</span> Species of New World monkey

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gray woolly monkey</span> Subspecies of New World monkey

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The silvery woolly monkey, also known as Poeppig's woolly monkey or the red woolly monkey, is a subspecies of the common woolly monkey from South America. Named after the German zoologist Eduard Friedrich Poeppig, it is found in Brazil, Ecuador and Peru.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geoffroy's spider monkey</span> Species of spider monkey, from Central America

Geoffroy's spider monkey, also known as the black-handed spider monkey or the Central American spider monkey, is a species of spider monkey, a type of New World monkey, from Central America, parts of Mexico and possibly a small portion of Colombia. There are at least five subspecies. Some primatologists classify the black-headed spider monkey (A. fusciceps), found in Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador as the same species as Geoffroy's spider monkey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White-cheeked spider monkey</span> Species of New World monkey

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Suspensory behaviour is a form of arboreal locomotion or a feeding behavior that involves hanging or suspension of the body below or among tree branches. This behavior enables faster travel while reducing path lengths to cover more ground when travelling, searching for food and avoiding predators. Different types of suspensory behaviour include brachiation, climbing, and bridging. These mechanisms allow larger species to distribute their weight among smaller branches rather than balancing above these weak supports. Primates and sloths are most commonly seen using these behaviours, however, other animals such as bats may be seen hanging below surfaces to obtain food or when resting.

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References

  1. ↑ Groves, C. P. (2005). Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 150. ISBN   0-801-88221-4. OCLC   62265494.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Alves, S.L.; Ravetta, A.L.; Paim, F.P.; Mittermeier, R.A.; Rabelo, R.M.; Wallace, R.B.; Messias, M.R.; Calouro, A.M.; Rylands, A.B.; de Melo, F.R.; Boubli, J.P. (2021). "Ateles chamek". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2021: e.T41547A191685783. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T41547A191685783.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  3. ↑ Mittermeier, RA (1978). "Locomotion and Posture in Ateles geoffroyi and Ateles paniscus". Folia Primatologica. 30 (3): 161–193. doi:10.1159/000155862. PMID   720997.
  4. 1 2 Felton, Annika; Felton, Adam; Wood, Jeff T.; Lindenmayer, David B. (2008). "Diet and Feeding Ecology of Ateles chamek in a Bolivian Semihumid Forest: The Importance of Ficus as a Staple Food Resource". International Journal of Primatology. 29 (2): 379–403. doi:10.1007/s10764-008-9241-1. S2CID   29093133.
  5. 1 2 Haugaasen, T.; Peres, C. (2005). "Primate assemblage structure in Amazonian flooded and unflooded forests". American Journal of Primatology. 67 (2): 243–258. doi:10.1002/ajp.20180. PMID   16229024. S2CID   21142851.
  6. 1 2 "Ateles chamek (Chamek spider monkey)". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 2017-04-13.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Spider Monkeys, Great Book of the Animal Kingdom, Crescent Books, Inc., ISBN   0-517-08801-0 pp. 378-379
  8. 1 2 3 Rabelo, Rafael M.; Silva, Felipe E; Vieira, Tatiana; Ferreira-Ferreira, Jefferson; Paim, Fernanda P; Dutra, Wallace; Silva Jr, José S; Valsecchi, João (2014-04-01). "Extension of the geographic range of Ateles chamek (Primates, Atelidae): evidence of river-barrier crossing by an amazonian primate". Primates. 55 (2): 167–171. doi:10.1007/s10329-014-0409-3. ISSN   1610-7365. PMID   24510072. S2CID   15577379.
  9. 1 2 Rabelo, Rafael M.; Gonçalves, Jonas R.; Silva, Felipe E.; Rocha, Daniel G.; Canale, Gustavo R.; Bernardo, Christine S.S.; Boubli, Jean P. (2018-12-18). "Predicted distribution and habitat loss for the Endangered black-faced black spider monkey Ateles chamek in the Amazon". Oryx. 54 (5): 699–705. doi: 10.1017/S0030605318000522 . ISSN   0030-6053.
  10. 1 2 Wallace, Robert (2006). "Seasonal Variations in Black-Faced Black Spider Monkey (Ateles chamek) Habitat Use and Ranging Behavior in a Southern Amazonian Tropical Forest". American Journal of Primatology. 68 (4): 313–332. doi:10.1002/ajp.20227. PMID   16534811. S2CID   12291150.
  11. ↑ Iwanaga, S., Ferrari S.F., 2001. Party Size and Diet of Syntopic Atelids (Ateles chamek and Lagothrix cana) in Southwestern Brazilian Amazonia.
  12. ↑ Nunez-Iturri, Gabriela; Howe, Henry F. (2007). "Bushmeat and the Fate of Trees with Seeds Dispersed by Large Primates in a Lowland Rain Forest in Western Amazonia". Biotropica. 39 (3): 348–354. doi:10.1111/j.1744-7429.2007.00276.x. S2CID   85790240.
  13. ↑ Vuohelainen, Anni Johanna; Coad, Lauren; Marthews, Toby R.; Malhi, Yadvinder; Killeen, Timothy J. (2012). "The Effectiveness of Contrasting Protected Areas in Preventing Deforestation in Madre de Dios, Peru". Environmental Management. 50 (4): 645–663. Bibcode:2012EnMan..50..645V. doi:10.1007/s00267-012-9901-y. PMID   22814545. S2CID   206943614.
  14. ↑ Naughton-Treves, Lisa; Mena, Jose Luis; Treves, Adrian; Alvarez, Nora; Radeloff, Volker Christian (2003). "Wildlife Survival Beyond Park Boundaries: the Impact of Slash-and-Burn Agriculture and Hunting on Mammals in Tambopata, Peru". Conservation Biology. 17 (4): 1106–1117. doi:10.1046/j.1523-1739.2003.02045.x. S2CID   52084096.
  15. 1 2 Bello, Raul. "Rehabilitation and Reintroduction Program of Ateles chamek in the southeastern Peruvian Amazon". Grupo de Primatología en Perú. Archived from the original on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
  16. ↑ de Boer, L.E.M., de Bruijn, M., 2005. Chromosomal distinction between the red-faced and black-faced black spider monkey (Ateles paniscus paniscus and A. chamek.)
  17. ↑ Spider Monkey, Animal The Definitive Visual Guide to the World’s Wildlife, ISBN   0-7894-7764-5 p. 123; Spider Monkeys, Great Book of the Animal Kingdom, Crescent Books, Inc., ISBN   0-517-08801-0 pp. 378-379
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