At a glance
- IUCN category
- EN · Endangered
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
Geoffroy's spider monkey is a long-limbed, prehensile-tailed monkey that swings through the rainforest canopy. It is assessed as Endangered.
It uses its tail like a fifth limb and disperses many forest seeds.
Range & habitat
Forests of Central America and far northern South America.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Deforestation
- Hunting
- Fragmentation
Why it matters
As a large, agile seed disperser, Geoffroy's spider monkey helps regenerate Central American forests and is a flagship for their protection.
Sources
Sources for Geoffroy's Spider Monkey
- IUCN Red List — look up Geoffroy's Spider Monkey (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a spider monkey?
Its very long, slender limbs and prehensile tail give it a spider-like look as it spreads across branches; the tail can grip like an extra hand.
Why is Geoffroy's spider monkey Endangered?
Published assessments cite deforestation, hunting, and habitat fragmentation. See the IUCN Red List for the current assessment.
Last updated: