Species Name:
Peruvian Spider Monkey
Scientific name:
Ateles chamek
Habitat (locations):
Southern Amazonian Tropical Forest
Picture:
Ecological roles (niche):
They play a significant role as seed dispersers, due to their diet of eating mostly fruits
Value:
They’re frequently targeted by poachers for sale and consumption in the Amazonian bushmeat trade. They’re also valuable ecologically because of their role as seed dispersers, helping important plants spread and grow in more areas.
Causes for Extinction or Endangerment:
As stated, poachers are a leading cause of spider monkey endangerment. Also, large portions of their natural habitat are being destroyed for agriculture and illegal mining activity.
Consequences of the Loss of the Species:
Because of their role as important seed dispersers, the loss of the Peruvian spider monkey could spell disaster for a wide range of plants that depend on them to spread their seeds to new areas.
Rate of loss:
Undetermined
Interesting Facts:
The Peruvian spider monkey is one of the largest primates in South America and one of the most intelligent species of monkey in the New world.