Black spider monkey  (Ateles paniscus)

Although still relatively widespread and abundant, the black spider monkey is under threat from overhunting, which is occurring even within protected areas, as well as by habitat loss through deforestation (1) (4) (5) (10). Like all spider monkeys, the black spider monkey is particularly vulnerable to these threats due to its slow reproductive rate, and its need for large areas of undisturbed forest that contain a sufficient number and variety of fruiting trees (1) (2) (4) (6) (9).

The black spider monkey occurs in a number of protected areas across its range, some of which are quite large (1). It also receives some protection from international trade under its listing on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (3), although illegal hunting continues in some areas (1). The species is legally protected in French Guiana, although the laws are sometimes poorly enforced (10). Rainforest habitats are increasingly in need of urgent and adequate protection, and, as an important seed disperser, the survival of the black spider monkey will be important in maintaining the overall health of these valuable ecosystems.