What are some fun facts about spider monkeys?

8 Surprising Facts About Spider Monkeys

1. Spider Monkeys Have Strong Tails. Clayton Andersen / Getty Images.
2. They Don’t Have Thumbs.
3. The Females Take the Lead.
4. They Are Swinging Specialists.
5. Spider Monkeys Are at Risk.
6. They Are Social Animals.
7. Spider Monkeys Reproduce Infrequently.
8. They Add Nutrients to the Forest.

What eats the black spider monkey?

The most common predators of spider monkeys are jaguars, eagles and hawks, as well as other primate species and snakes (both venomous and constrictor species).

How smart is a spider monkey?

For another, they are very smart. In 2006, researchers conducted an analysis of existing primate intelligence research and concluded spider monkeys ranked third in overall intelligence among non-human primates, making them the cleverest monkeys of the Americas.

How high can spider monkeys jump?

Acrobatic and swift, Spider monkeys move through the trees, with one arm stride covering up to 40 feet. Spider monkeys are characterized by their long, slender limbs and great agility.

What do you need to know about spider monkeys?

Spider Monkey Facts For Kids. Spider monkeys do not have thumbs, unlike most monkeys, who have opposable thumbs. Instead, they have four, hooked fingers. When different troops of spider monkeys meet, they hug each other in greeting, seeking to avoid confrontation.

How did the spider monkey get its name?

These monkeys get their name from their spider-like appearance when they hang from trees by their tails. Their prehensile tail is so strong that it can be used as another arm. There is a lack of hair on the underside of the tail of these monkeys which allows them to get a better grip on a branch while using its hands to grab its food (e.g. fruit ).

How old do spider monkeys have to be to eat fruit?

Spider Monkey Facts: Family Life. Although spider monkeys are able to eat fruit at three months, they continue to be nursed until they are around two years old. By age four, the spider monkey reaches maturity. Male monkeys will continue to live in their mother’s community for the rest of their lives.

How long do male spider monkeys live in captivity?

Male monkeys will continue to live in their mother’s community for the rest of their lives. However, females will leave to find a new community in which to live, mate, and have babies of their own. Spider monkeys can live in captivity up to around 35 years.