Hobbies And Interests
About Hybrid Spider Monkeys
Hybrid spider monkeys, also known as Ateles belzebuth hybridus, are one of the six species of spider monkeys. They have long hair and can grow up to nearly 2 feet in height. The average weight is 10 to 15 lbs. One common feature of the hybrid spider monkey is its prehensile tail, which is often used as an extra limb. It can use its tail for eating or for getting around in the forest. Hybrid spider monkeys have a lifespan of approximately 30 years.
Hybrid Spider Monkey Habitat
Hybrid spider monkeys are found throughout Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. They prefer wet forests and can be found in tropical rain forests. They live toward the tops of trees, where they can find ripe fruits to eat. They also eat leaves. They live in a mixed social system of males and females and can communicate with other hybrid spider monkeys through facial expressions.
Endangered Spider Monkeys
Like most animals on the endangered species list, hybrid spider monkeys are declining in population. They live in very broken-up populations in South America, and their habitats are threatened. The number of most types of spider monkeys has been in decline due to human development. Spider monkeys live in tropical forests, which are shrinking. Another factor that has hurt the population of spider monkeys is an increase in the number of tourists in their habitats. Costa Rica has seen a loss of over half of its spider monkey population since 2000.
The Endangered Species Program
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a federal program that was passed in 1973. The purpose is to protect animals and plant life from becoming extinct. There are two different classifications: endangered and threatened. This is dependent on how many are left in their natural habitat and how severe the threat is to their survival. A species that is endangered is likely to become extinct, while a species that is threatened may become endangered.
In order for a species to be listed, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposes the species be included on the list. This is also how a species is considered for reclassification or to be unlisted.
The ESA enacts protective measures to help the plants and animals on the list. This includes hunting restrictions and laws to help protect the species. More than 300 of animals on the list are in the United States.