Spider Monkeys

Spider monkeys are no, not spiders, but monkeys. Spider monkeys are part of the monkey family. Why do they have spider in their name? You might know some basic facts on spider monkeys but read on to learn more about them.

A spider monkeys habitat is in Central and South America. Spider monkeys live in tropical climates and evergreen forests. You usually finds them in these places and climates because it is a perfect place to find their food like fruit. You can also find spider monkeys in zoos and animal parks around the world.

Did you know a spider monkey is called a spider monkey because it eats spiders? That’s right. A spider monkeys diet is spiders, seeds insects and larvae. When spider monkeys eat they sometimes hang by their tails and reach the food with their hands. Sometimes their tails can grow longer than than their bodies.

Usually spider monkeys live till the age of 27 years. A spider monkeys gestation period is as long as 7.5 months old. Spider monkeys will give birth to one infant at a time. The infant (baby monkey) will rely on its mother until it is 6-10 months old. From then on they are strong enough to be on their own.

Spider monkeys are becoming endangered because of habitat loss. People are taking down the trees they live in and replacing them with towns and farmlands. They also have predators such as pumas, jaguars, ocelotes and large snakes. To keep safe from their predators they usually sleep in groups and hang from the branches with their tails.

Spider monkeys are very interesting creatures. I hope you have learnt more about spider monkeys. Make sure you look after their habitat. Now you know why spider monkeys are my favorite animals.