The Black-handed spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)

Black handed spider monkeys live in the treetops of the rain forests in parts of Central America. With increased human activity their habitats are coming under increasing pressure and threatening their survival.

Black-handed Spider Monkey - Michael Schamis - CC BY 2.0

Sub-species

Black-handed spider monkeys are so named because they have long, thin, arms, black hands, long legs and a long prehensile tail. The monkey uses the tail like an extra limb when moving spider-like though the trees. They are also known as Geoffroy's spider monkey and their species name is Ateles geoffroyi after Etienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, the French naturalist.

There are at least 5 recognised sub-species; the Ateles geoffroyi geoffroyi (no other name), Hooded spider monkey, Ornate spider monkey, Mexican spider monkey, and the Yucatan spider monkey. There are some experts who recognise more.  Read more