TOP : VLADISLAV T . JIROUSEK / SHUTTERSTOCK ; MIDDLE : R P BAIAO / SHUTTERSTOCK |
The Endangered Black-faced Black Spider Monkey , commonly known as the Peruvian Spider Monkey , is native to the tropical forests of Peru , Brazil and Bolivia . These long-haired black monkeys primarily spend their days in groups , scattered among the treetops . Incredibly skilled climbers , this charismatic species uses its long arms and tail to climb throughout the upper canopy foraging for fruit and insects .
Unfortunately , the dense tree cover Black-faced Black Spider Monkeys rely on to survive is rapidly disappearing . Thousands of acres of vital rainforest habitat each day are lost to
PERU
BOLIVIA
BRAZIL
POPULATIONS HAVE DECREASED BY 50 % IN THE PAST 45 YEARS |
rapid slash-and-burn deforestation driven by agricultural development , cattle ranches , fruit and palm oil plantations .
When habitat shrinks significantly , populations of the Black-faced Black Spider Monkey are left trapped with no recourse , unable to move or grow . This destruction , as well as hunting for the bushmeat trade , has caused populations to decrease by an alarming 50 % within the past 45 years .
Not only is the species losing its natural range to forest clearing , the fragmented habitat that remains is subject to massive wildfires ignited from harsh dry seasons brought on by an unpredictable climate .
Rainforest Trust has several projects in Bolivia and Peru dedicated to safe-
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guarding critical forest habitat so the Black-faced Black Spider Monkey can continue to thrive in the wild , including our newest project working with our local partners to protect 2 million acres of Bolivia ’ s Bajo Paragua rainforest for the permanent safety of this and many other primate species .
LEARN MORE : rainforesttrust . org / spider-monkey
“ Safeguarding forests for threatened primates like the Black-faced Black Spider Monkey is especially critical now ,” said Juliana Rossi de Camargo , Rainforest Trust Conservation Officer . “ This species is losing habitat by the second , jeopardizing its survival . Creating protected areas and titling indigenous lands is one of the most effective ways to ensure that these forests are maintained in the long-term .”
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