AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN ENInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Endangered — faces a very high risk of extinction if threats are not urgently addressed.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Ateles geoffroyi
Geoffroy's spider monkey
Kuhl, 1820
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Large, slender primate with long limbs and an extremely strong prehensile tail.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Mono araña lasiura
Black-handed spider monkeyMico
Singe-araignée de GeoffroyTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Primates
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Atelidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Ateles
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Kuhl, 1820
Record Completeness
97%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Primarily inhabits the high canopy of primary tropical rainforests and undisturbed forests.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Moves via brachiation, swinging between branches with great agility.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Lives in fission-fusion groups, where the large group splits into small subgroups to forage.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Specialist frugivore; its diet consists mostly of ripe fruits.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Crucial for forest regeneration by dispersing seeds from large fruit-bearing trees.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Long birth interval (2 to 4 years), making population recovery difficult.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
30.0 - 63.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
6.00 kg - 9.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
48 - 60 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
225 - 235
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males20 - 27 Years
Females20 - 27 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Its prehensile tail has a hairless patch that provides a perfect grip.
Lacks opposable thumbs on its hands, an adaptation for better swinging.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Massive habitat loss and hunting for human consumption or pets.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They can use their tail like a third hand to pick up food while hanging.
They are capable of recognizing themselves in mirrors, indicating a high level of self-awareness.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
