Woolly monkey
The woolly monkeys are the genus Lagothrix of New World monkeys, usually placed in the family Atelidae.[1]
Both species in this genus originate from the rainforests of South America. They have prehensile tails and live in relatively large social groups.
Description[edit]
Woolly monkeys are closely related to spider monkeys.[4] They have a thick brown coat with dark gray appendages. The stomach area is black and heads are light brown. The fur color is the same for both males and females. Variation in color exist among subspecies. A prehensile tail assists in climbing and fulfills many functions of an opposable thumb. Arm and legs are about equal in length.[5] All species are large, weighing around 7 kilograms (15 lb).[6] Males weigh 45% more than females on average but are of equal length.[4]
Predation and preservation[edit]
Woolly monkeys are hunted by a variety of species of eagles and cats, such as the jaguar. Their main predators, however, are humans, who hunt the species both for food and for the illegal pet trade. Habitat encroachment is also threatening the survival of the species; all these factors are believed to be the cause of the species' recent decline. Woolly monkeys are now considered highly endangered, and captive individuals are bred to ensure the survival of the species as part of the International Breeding Program for Endangered Species.