Who are they?

Credit: Marc van Roosmalen

Black spider monkeys, or scientifically known as Ateles paniscus, have long, glossy black hair covering their entire bodies except for their faces. Their long hair and red or pink-skinned faces, which are bare except for a very few short white hairs, immediately distinguishes them from other species of spider monkeys. They are generally 16 to 24 inches tall and weigh between 15 and 19 pounds. Their life span is approximately 33 years. Black spider monkeys are found in moist tropical evergreen forests and prefer undisturbed rainforests.

Credit: Bone Clones

The black spider monkey is one of seven spider monkey species found in Latin America and are one of the largest primate species in South America. Spider monkeys in general are among the largest of the New World monkeys. They are called "spider" monkeys because of their long arms, legs, and tail.