Nature has created on Earth many unusual, sometimes frightening, and sometimes funny life forms. Such funny creatures include spider monkeys that amaze the imagination of anyone who sees them for the first time. Despite the dubious name, these animals are quite cute and attractive in their own way. And very interesting from the point of view of zoology.
Why are they called that
The spider monkey of South America got its nickname thanks to the fifth point of support - the tail, which is used by it along with the front and hind legs. Additionally, the resemblance to an arthropod enhances the lean physique and long arms and legs. When an animal clings to all limbs at once, especially stretching between nearby trees, a clear feeling is created that in front of you is a huge spider sitting in the center of its web. A similar impression is produced by spider monkeys hanging on one tail and pursing their paws: like a spider on a cobweb. Inotherwise, the animal is not much different from other fellow primates.
Description of the animal
The spider monkey (pictured above) is the largest member of its tribe in the entire South American continent. An adult can reach a weight of ten kilograms and grow up to 65 centimeters, and with a tail - almost up to a meter. Males are somewhat smaller than females; the front legs of most representatives are longer, although there are individuals in which they are equal. On the hands, the thumb is absent or is in its infancy, but on the feet it is well developed. The coloration of these animals may be different; the coat is quite long. Additionally, one can note the small size of the skull, which further increases the similarity of the monkey with the spider in the "crucified" position.
Fancy tail
Spider monkeys are the most curious about the structure of their fifth “limb”. First, it is very long - most species of monkeys of this size have a much shorter tail. Secondly, he is unusually strong and is able to hold the body in weight without the help of his paws. Thirdly, the last quarter meter of the tail is hairless and equipped with strong and tenacious skin combs. Moreover, these growths can completely replace fingers - spider monkeys are able to perform very subtle and precise movements with their tail. For example, take a nut from a person's hands.
Lifestyle
Spider monkeys are predominantly arboreal and move mainly with the help of their tail and front legs. Back theyusually used as a temporary support or in a state of rest. These are diurnal animals that gather in a kind of colony. Usually such flocks are not too large - ten to twenty individuals, but there are "families" whose number of members reaches a hundred. The diet of spider monkeys is quite diverse: they eat both animal and plant foods, although they prefer seeds, fruits and leaves. They can steal eggs from nests.
Reproduction of these animals is not limited to any particular season. However, females rarely give birth - once every 3-4 years; besides, they bear only one cub. So the reproduction of the population is very slow. Pregnancy in a female lasts an average of 230 days, and then until the age of three, the baby remains under the supervision of the mother and is little adapted to independent life.
Spider monkeys in nature theoretically live in a fairly large area - from Northern Colombia to Mexico. However, for life, they need rainforests that have been cut down by man for decades. In this connection, there are fewer and fewer places suitable for them, and this species of primates has long been in danger of extinction. Therefore, attempts are now being made to preserve it in zoos - fortunately, spider monkeys are quite willing to breed in captivity. Another key to the success of this program is that the primates adapt well afterward in the wild.
