Hybrid Spider Monkey Facts
The scientific name for the hybrid spider monkey is Ateles hybridus, according to Zipcodezoo.com. There are two types or species of hybrid spider monkeys, according to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. These two species are classified as Ateles hybridus hybridus and Ateles hybridus brunneus. Ateles hybridus brunneus is found only in Colombia.
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Taxonomy
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The hybrid spider monkey belongs to the animalia kingdom, bilateria subkingdom, chordate phylum, mammalian class, theriiformes subclass, preptotheria superorder, cibidae family and the ateles genus, according to Zipcodezoo.com.
Geography
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Hybrid spider monkeys are found in subtropical and tropical lowlands in Columbia and Venezuela, according to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. These areas range from between 20 and 700 feet in elevation.
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Habitat
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Hybrid spider monkeys spend the majority of their time foraging in high canopies, according to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. These monkeys go to the forest floor for drinking water only. Primary forests that are undisturbed are preferred over secondary forests by hybrid spider monkeys. Characteristics of a primary forest include tall, mature trees with a continuous canopy.
Characteristics
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Hybrid spider monkeys have a diet that consists mainly of fruit, according to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. Long, slender limbs are also characteristic of the hybrid spider monkey. Their long, thin tail acts as a fifth limb. This makes it easier for the hybrid spider monkey to travel through the canopy. The length of the tail is approximately 75 cm. Hybrid spider monkeys are the largest New World primate with male spider monkeys weighing between 7.9 and 9.1 kg and females between 7.5 and 9 kg. The average body length for a mature hybrid spider monkey is 50 cm. Spider monkeys range in color from light brown to dark brown. White triangular patches exist on the forehead of these monkeys. The eyes are usually light brown, but some hybrid spider monkeys have pale blue eyes.
Reproduction
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Hybrid spider monkeys have a slow reproduction rate, producing a single offspring only once every three to four years, according to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. For monkeys held in captivity, this time can be reduced to 1 1/2 years. Higher birth rates occur at the beginning of the rainy season when fruits are more abundant from May to July. Females have their first child when they are between 7 and 8 years old. Gestation periods last between 226 and 232 days.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit a monkey enjoys an ice treat at the annual monkey buffet festiva image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
