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From: Greg Dawson on 09/19/98

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From: Brad on 09/21/98

Excepts from "Captivity" Primate Conservation #5, Jan. 1985 Part 1 of 13
Spider Monkeys In Captivity And In The Wild
Introduction
The spider monkeys (Ateles spp.) of Central and South America are among the most attractive and appealing of Neotropical primates and are commonly exhibited in zoos around the world. Since they were relatively easy to obtain in years past they have been considered common by the zoo community and have rarely received the kind of attention given to animals like the great apes, the golden lion tamarin and the lion-tailed macaque. Nonetheless. the accumulating evidence from a number of field studies and surveys indicates that these monkeys may be among the most endangered in the entire Neotropical region. Indeed. it already appears that Ateles and Lagothrix are the most endangered genera in Amazonia and several Central American populations are in a precarious position as well. These monkeys are much sought after as food items and as pets for local people. they tend to prefer undisturbed habitat and they mature and breed slowly. making it difficult for populations to bounce back in the face of exploitation. They are usually the first primates to disappear in disturbed areas and have been eliminated from large areas of primary forest in Amazonia by market hunting. As will be evident from reading this paper, several of the 16 recognized subspecies of Ateles should be considered endangered and may in fact already be on the verge of extinction. and there is no doubt that the status of these monkeys in the wild and in captivity requires much more attention than it has received to date.
The captive situation is further complicated by poor understanding of Ateles taxonomy. The most recent treatment dates back some 40 years and is in need of revision, and even this study (which remains very useful) has rarely been used as a guideline for sorting out subspecies for captive breeding programs. Additional confusion has been added by several papers which recognize all Ateles to be one species leading some zoo people to believe that any breeding combination of these animals would be appropriate. Although we recognize a number of deficiencies in the Kellogg and Goldman (1944) system and are currently revising it. we still think it is the most appropriate arrangement to use for this genus and follow it in this paper.
As a result of the confusion in Ateles taxonomy and the belief that these animals are generally common and not in need of special conservation attention. there has been some inadvertent hybridiza-tion in captive Ateles groups, reducing the con~servation value of a number of captive colonies. However, we hope to make it clear in this paper that many Ateles taxa are in more danger than a number of other primates that have long been the focus of special zoo breeding programs (e.g.. lowland gorillas. Bornean orangs). and are worthy of at least as much attention from the zoo world. Furthermore, since many of the countries with wild Ateles populations now have bans on primate export, few if any additional animals will be available from the wild in the future and efforts to save this genus in captivity will depend on careful management of existing stock.
To draw attention to the plight of Ateles in captivity and in the wild, the WWF-U.S. Primate Program has initiated a special Ateles project that will include a number of field studies of these monkeys and a detailed survey of the captive population in the world's zoos. The field aspect of this project will be described in more detail in subsequent issues of Primate Conservation and will not be covered here. However, it should be noted that it includes a number of ongoing WWF-supported studies being carried out in Amazonia Peru, Brazil and Columbia, on the Pacific slope of Ecuador and in Belize, and planned studies in Suriname and several other areas.
Brad and Trouble
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From: Brad on 09/21/98

Excepts from "Captivity" Primate Conservation #5, Jan. 1985 Part 2 of 13
The main purposes of this article are:
1. To provide an assessment of the current taxonomic situation of Ateles using Kellogg and Goldman (1944) as a foundation, and to provide a color guide to recognized Ateles taxa,
2. to summarize the existing data on distribution and status of wild populations of Ateles;
3. to present results of our survey on distribution of spider monkeys in captivity; and
4. to provide recommendations concerning captive management of existing collections.
Ateles Taxonomy and Distribution
We follow the more conservative Kellogg and Goldman (1944) arrangement in this report for several basic reasons. First and foremost, their study represents the most comprehensive treatment of this genus to date. Secondly, it is the classification used by zoological and conservation communities (e.g., international Zoo Yearbook, ISIS, CITES, and IUCN Red Data Book), and so it will prove the most useful to captive institutions in identifying or developing their collections. Finally, on the basis of our preliminary investigations, we also consider it to be the more valid arrangement, although certain changes will undoubtedly have to be made.
In using Kellogg and Goldman (1944), three points should be considered. The first involves the observation that "distinct" subspecies apparently hybridize in some areas (esp. Central America), a point raised by those who favor the "one species view" of Ateles taxonomy. Rossan and Baerg (1977) have described wild hybridization of the red-bellied A. geoffroyi 'panamensis with the all-black A, fisciceps robustus in an area of sympatry in Panama east of the Canal Zone. In our examinations of museum specimens we also noted a certain degree of variability in color within certain subspecies, in addition to subtle intergradations between several subspecies. Nonetheless, there appear to be a number of external characters which one can use to distinguish most of the different forms.
Secondly. cytogenetic studies of Ateles remain inconclusive. Chromosomal variations between recognized taxa support the "multiple-species view", but variability within taxa may be interpreted as supporting the 'one-species view". Much further work on karyology is required, and is planned as part of our project.
Third, available distribution maps in Kellogg & Goldman (1944) greatly overestimate the actual distributions of spider monkeys. In almost every instance in which a species or subspecies has been studied in detail, its occurrence within the range given by Kellogg and Goldman (1944) is found to be extremely patchy. covering what amounts to only a very small percentage of the area depicted in range maps. In reality, spider monkeys are not uniformly distributed; they remain reliant on areas of undisturbed high forest, and, in many cases, they have been exterminated from large portions of their former ranges even in areas where suitable habitat still exists (e.g., Soini, 1972; Hernandez-Camacho and Cooper, 1976. Mittermeier and Coimbra-Filho, 1977; Rylands and Mittermeier, 1982). The false impression of uniform widespread distribution given by existing range maps for Ateles must be replaced with accurate field data so that we can better assess the status of the difference species and subspecies in the wild.
Brad and Trouble
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From: Brad on 09/23/98

Excepts from "Captivity" Primate Conservation #5, Jan. 1985 Part 3 of 13
For the purposes of this paper we have attempted to assess the conservation status of each of the 16 recognized subspecies, listing the protected areas and zoological institutions in which they are presently known to occur. The reader should keep in mind that Ateles is a wide-ranging genus, known to exist in 17 Central and South American countries and protected to a different extent and facing different problems in each. Even if parks and reserves exist within the range of a particular Ateles, there is no guarantee that the animals are safe from poaching and other human activities or even that spider monkeys still survive in them. According to the Red Data Book (IUCN, 1982a), A. beizebuth, A. geoffroyi and A. paniscus are all considered Vulnerable, while A. fusciceps is listed as Indeterminate at the present time, and several countries provide legal protection for these animals. However, protective measures are rarely enforced and spider monkeys continue to decline throughout their range as their tropical forest habitat is cut and as they continue to be hunted as sources of meat.
Ateles Species Descriptions and Status
In this section, we describe the external distinguishing characteristics, and summarize the current conservation status of each of the sixteen recognized Ateles subspecies, both in the wild and in captivity.
The descriptions presented here are based upon the examination of museum specimens and captive animals, and field observations by Mittermeier in Central and South America. Special attention is paid to the descriptions of Kellogg and Goldman (1944), and, in cases where no living or museum material was available, we have relied heavily on their review.
Spider monkeys are known to be absent from a number of protected areas which lie within the their presumed ranges. For parks and reserves in which the subspecies' presence has not been confirmed, we have based its likely identity on Kellogg and Goldman (1944).
Information on the status of Ateles in captivity is currently available through the Inteniational Zoo Yearbook (I ZY) and the records of the International Species Inventory System (ISIS). Spider monkeys are listed annually under the section Mammals Bred in Captivity and Multiple Generation Births. In light of this, it is surprising that they are not presently listed in another IZY appendix, Census of Rare Animals in Captivity. The IZY listings for Ateles are very rarely to the subspecific level, some institutions merely listing births under "Ateles spp." ISIS data sheets provide more detailed information on the demographics of participating collections, and many institutions do list animals by presumed subspecies. This resource provides a good data base for North American collections, but is not yet as international in scope as the IZY reference section.
Brad and Trouble
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From: Brad on 09/23/98

Excepts from "Captivity" Primate Conservation #5, Jan. 1985 Part 4 of 13
Ateles paniscus
Ateles paniscus paniscus
Vernacular name: Guiana black spider monkey
The pelage of A. p. paniscus is all black and contrasts with the bare skin around the eyes and on the nose and muzzle, which may be flesh-colored or light red. The tail is distinctive in this subspecies, being very robust, particularly at the base, and tapering abruptly near the tip. The length of hair of adult specimens (75-100 mm) is much greater than that of adults of A. p. Chamek and A.fusciceps robustus (40-75 mm). two other taxa with which A. p. paniscus might be confused. This all black animal is found in northeastern Amazonia, north of the main stream of the Amazon and east of the Rio Negro/Rio Branco, and occurs in Suriname, Guyana. French Guiana, Brazil, and possibly in Venezuela (IUCN. 1982a). Within its range it is known to exist in 4 protected areas in Brazil, 5 in Suriname. and one in Guyana, while its status in French Guiana remains unknown.
In Brazilian Amazonia. Ateles appears to be restricted to terra firme primary forest and it is one of the first primates to disappear in the face of forest destruction. In addition. it is heavily hunted in many areas as a source of food and to supply bait for spotted cat hunters. As a result, it has already been exterminated from many primary forests that would otherwise be perfectly suitable habitat. In Suriname, Ateles paniscus paniscus is a prime source of bush meat. Being large, loud and conspicuous, it is easily hunted in new areas opened for exploration, and it should be considered the most vulnerable primate species in Suriname.
In captivity. Ateles paniscus paniscus appears to be more commonly represented in European and South American collections.
Ateles paniscus chamek.
Vernacular name: Black-faced black spider monkey
The pelage of A. p. chamek is entirely black. It is possible to distinguish A. p. chamek from A. p. paniscus by the shorter length of hair on its body and tail, and the lesser amount of lighter- colored skin exposed on the face. The tails of both A. p. chamek and A. p. paniscus are reported to be exceptionally long (almost twice the head and body length combined. This ratio appears to be significantly greater than that found in A. flisciceps robustus, another all black animal. Heltne and Kunkel (1975) distinguish between A. p. chamek and A. flisciceps robustus (= rufiventris) by the presence of blond or gold hair on the medial surfaces of the thighs or pubic region which are said to be characteristic of chamek (although they indicate that this coloration may also occur in some specimens of flisciceps).
This subspecies is found in western Amazonian Brazil (including western Mato Grosso), northeastern Peru, eastern Bolivia. It occurs in at least 9 protected areas in Brazil, 2 in Bolivia and 2 in Peru.
This subspecies suffers from much the same threats as does A. p. paniscus, being hunted regularly and little able to cope with encroachment by man on its forest habitat. Although good populations of A. paniscus chamek are reported from protected areas such as Manu National Park in Peru, it appears that it has been exterminated over a large part of its former range in this country.
In captivity, A. paniscus chainek is reported from North and South American and European collections.
Brad and Trouble
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From: Brad on 09/26/98

From: Brad on 09/27/98

From: Greg Dawson on 09/27/98

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From: Greg Dawson on 09/27/98

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From: Brad on 09/28/98

Excepts from "Captivity" Primate Conservation #5, Jan. 1985 Part 5 of 13
Ateles fusciceps
Ateles fusciceps fusciceps.
Vernacular name: Brown-headed spider monkey
The brown-headed spider monkey is a little known subspecies that can be distinguished from other Ateles by its brown head. which contrasts with an all black body. It occurs on the Pacific side of the Cordillera in Ecuador. It probably occurs in the Reserva Nacional Cotachi-Cayapas, and its status there is currently being investigated through a project funded by the World Wildlife Fund-U.S. Primate Program.
To the authors' knowledge, the only record of this subspecies having ever been in captivity comes from the San Diego Zoo. which supposedly maintained several during the early part of this century.
Ateles fusciceps robustus.
Vernacular name(s): Colombian black spider monkey; robust black spider monkey
A. fusciceps robustus is an entirely black animal. The exposed skin on its face is generally black, although individuals are sometimes seen with thin flesh-colored rings around the eyes. The hair on its body is shorter than that seen in A. p. paniscus, especially noticeable at the base of the tail in adults. Supposedly, it can be distinguished from A. p. chamek by the significantly shorter length of its tail, the absence of blond or gold hairs on its medial thigh and pubic region, and by the occasional presence of white chin whiskers.
This spider monkey is found in the western cordillera of the Andes from southwestern Colombia northward into eastern Panama. It exists in at least 3 Colombian national parks and one in Panama.
According to available information, collections of Ateles filseiceps robustus exist in North and South America and Europe.
. Given the physical similarities which exist between A. f robustus and A. p. chamek, and the fact that robustus must have been shipped in large numbers out of Bamanquilla, Colombia during the late 1960's and early 1970's, it is likely that more A. f robustus exist in captivity than is presently believed.
Brad and Trouble
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From: Brad on 09/29/98

Excepts from "Captivity" Primate Conservation #5, Jan. 1985 Part 6 of 13
Ateles beizebuth
Ateles beizebuth beizebuth
Vernacular name(s): Long-haired spider monkey; white- bellied spider monkey
The dorsal surface of A. b. beizebuth is black or dark brown, contrasting with its undersurface, which can range from golden brown to yellowish or even white. A distinctive characteristic is the presence of a variable-sized triangle or strip of light-colored hair on its forehead. This may be accompanied by light-colored sideburns, which are sometimes quite prominent.
This subspecies of spider monkey occurs from central Venezuela south to the Rio Negro of Brazil and into eastern Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Within its range it is known to occur in at least 2 national parks in Venezuela (Bodini, unpublished), one national park and 2 ecological stations in Brazil, one national park in Peru and in Colombia's Parque Nacional Natural La Macarena. Recent reports, however, indicate that La Macarena has been severely degraded and it is questionable whether spider monkeys still exist there. It is not known whether this subspecies occurs in any protected areas in Ecuador.
According to the best available information, captive colonies of Ateles beizebuth beizebuth are restricted to South America and Europe. The Zoologischer Garten Saarbrucken, West Germany believes it has A. b. beizebuth, but remains uncertain as to the subspecies.
Given the relatively large range of A. b. belzebuth and that it was probably shipped in significant numbers to the U.S. from Iquitos and Leticia, we imagine that it is present in more collections than from which it has been reported. It is likely that some institutions have not been able to identify this subspecies.
Ateles belzebuth hybridus
Vernacular name: Marimonda
A. belzebuth hybridus ranges in coloration from a light brown to a rich mahogany on the upper surfaces of its body, limbs and head. This variation appears to have some geographic correlation and it has been suggested that two different subspecies may exist. The abdomen is contrastingly lighter, though not as much as the white traingular forehead patch and sideburns. The eyes of hybndus are either a light brown or a very striking light blue in color.
This spider monkey is found in northeastern Colombia. with a disjunct population in western Venezuela. It occurs in at least one protected area in Colombia and 2 national parks in Venezuela.
Ateles belzebuth hybridus is apparently the most common A. belzebuth subspecies in captivity. Our survey indicates that it can be found in zoos in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. The total number of individuals, however, is not very large.
Brad and Trouble
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From: Brad on 09/29/98

Excepts from "Captivity" Primate Conservation #5, Jan. 1985 Part 7 of 13
Ateles belzebuth marginatus
Vernacular name: White-whiskered spider monkey Resembling A. p. paniscus more than other A. belzebuth, A. b. marginatus is all black in color, except for a white triangular forehead patch and sideburns.
This spidcr monkey is endemic to Brazil, occuring south of the Amazon in the state of Para. It is found on the outskirts of only one protected area in Brazil. Included within its presumed range is the recent Tucurui hydroelectric project. However, with flooding almost completed, not a single spider monkey has been observed during rescue operations. It may already have been exterminated in this area. and perhaps throughout much of its range. We consider this subspecies to be the most endangered of all the South American spider monkeys.
Given its geographic location and close resemblance to the other A. paniscus subspecies, it may be that this spider monkey would be more appropriately grouped with A. paniscus than with A. belzebuth.
It appears that Ateles belzebuth marginatus is found in captivity only in Brazil. It apparently occurs in only a hand of collections in very small numbers and cannot be considered secure by any standards.
Ateles belzebuth spp. In addition to the institutions which have reported exhibiting different subspecies of Ateles belzebuth, a number of others report only at the specific level.
Ateles geoffroyi
Ateles geoffroyi vellerosus
Vernacular name: Mexican spider monkey
The dorsal surfaces of A. geoffioyi vellerosus range from black to dark brown, except for a lighter band across the lumbar region, and contrast strongly with its lighter abdomen and inner limbs. Exposed flesh-colored skin is often present about the eyes. This subspecies can apparently be distinguished from A. b. belzebuth and the darker variety of A. belzebuth hybridus by the absence or marked reduction of a white triangular forehead patch and sideburns. It appears to grade in coloration into neighboring subspecies, A. geoffroyi pan and A. geoffroyi yucatanensis.
The vellerosus subspecies occurs in southern Mexico. El Salvador and much of Guatemala and Honduras. It is known to occur in at least one biosphere reserve and one biological reserve in Mexico, at least one and perhaps two national parks in Guatemala and a national park in El Salvador. This may also be the subspecies which occurs in the Rio Platano Reserve in northeastern Honduras.
Ateles geoffroyi vellerosus does not appear to be common in captivity, and we are certain of only five North American zoos and two European zoos which exhibit this subspecies. The Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois also maintains a single post-reproductive female. Ateles geoffroyi pan
Vernacular name: Guatemalan spider monkey
A. geoffryi pan is very similar to the darker colored individuals of A.geoffroyi vellerosus. It is described as having a thick black coat. and is said to occur at high altitudes. It differs from A. geoffroyi vellerosus in that its dorsal coloration does not contrast as markedly with that of its ventral surface. and it does not possess a lighter colored "saddle", on its lumbar region.
This subspecies is supposed to occur in the central mountains of Guatemala, yet it is based on only 3 animals of unknown geographic origin, and it may not be a valid taxon. It is not known whether pan occurs in any protected areas. The most recent record of it in captivity is that of a single female at the Nature Center in Asheville, North Carolina. Brad and Trouble
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From: Brad on 09/29/98

Excepts from "Captivity" Primate Conservation #5, Jan. 1985 Part 8 of 13
Ateles geoffroyi yucatanensis
Vernacular name: Yucatan spider monkey
A. geoffroyi yucutunensis is brownish-black on its head, neck and shoulders, becoming lighter brown on the lower back and hips and contrasting with its silvery-white underside, inner limbs and sideburns. It may be confused with lighter in- dividuals of A.geoffroyi vellerosus.
As its name would imply, this subspecies is known from the Yucatan Peninsula and occurs in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. It apparently does not occur in any protected areas in Mexico or Guatemala, but is found in the proposed Chiquebul Forest Reserve area in Belize.
The only report of Ateles geoffroyi yucatanensis in captivity is an ISIS listing of a single female at the Brookfield Zoo, Chicago, Illinois.
Ateles geoffroyi geoffroyi
Vernacular name(s): Nicaraguan spider monkey, golden spider monkey
A. g. geoffroyi is silvery to brownish gray on the back, upper arms and thighs. A variable amount of black exists on the elbows. knees, and upper and lower arms and legs, while the hands and feet are always black. The chest is similar in coloration to the back, while the lower abdomen may be somewhat golden. The top of the head is dark, sometimes black, with mixed light and dark hairs directed forward, often forming a distinct light band over the forehead. The face is black, with flesh-colored "spectacles" around the eyes common. Lighter side whiskers are often present.
Geoffroy's spider monkey is found in southern Nicaragua and possibly northern Costa Rica. It is apparently not found in any protected areas and is considered endangered in Nicaragua.
Ateles geoffroyi geoffroyi appears to be the most common spider monkey in captivity, particularly in North American zoos, and this is undoubtedly the result of large numbers of these animals being exported from Nicaragua in the late 1960's and early 1970's.
Ateles geoffroyi frontatus
Vernacular name: Black-foreheaded spider monkey
A. geoffroyi frontatus is similar in color pattern to A. g. geoffroyi, although somewhat darker. This subspecies is found in northwestern Costa Rica and extreme western and noith- ern Nicaragua. It is reported to occur in one national park in Nicaragua, and one national park and two reserves in Costa Rica.
Based upon known capture localities of specimens in their collection (Hacienda La Pacifica, Guanacaste, Costa Rica), the Basel Zoo, Switzerland, maintains a colony of A. g. frontatus.
Ateles geoffroyi ornatus
Vernacular name(s): Ornate spider monkey, golden spider monkey
A. geoffroyi ornatus appears to be a uniformly darker brown spider monkey than either A. g. geoffroyi or A. g. frontatus. The back is golden brown and the face, top of the head, forearms all around, outer sides of legs, hands and feet are black. The underside does not contrast strongly with the color on the back.
The ornate spider monkey is found in northeastern Costa Rica, where it is reported from only two protected areas.
In reports to ISIS, Audubon Park Zoo lists Ateles geoffroyi ornatus in its collection. On the basis of photos provided, we also believe that several individuals may exist at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, North Wales, United Kingdom, and the Greater Baton Rouge and Louisiana Purchase Zoological Gardens in the United States.
Brad and Trouble
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From: Brad on 09/29/98

Excepts from "Captivity" Primate Conservation #5, Jan. 1985 Part 9 of 13
Ateles geoffroyi panamensis
Vernacular name: Panamanian red spider monkey
A. geoffroyi panamensis is a brown spider monkey with a black face (often freckled with lighter skin) and is best distinguished from ornutus by the extent and intensity of its rufescent coloration, the extent of black being similar in the two subspecies. The abdomen is characteristically red, and the brown of the back and outer limbs contains a significant amount of this color also. Wild hybrids between A. g. panamensis and A. fusciceps robustus have been described by Rossan and Baerg (1977), and Heltne and Kunkel (1975) describe the boundary zone between these two taxa in eastern Panama.
The Panamanian red spider monkey was found throughout much of Panama west of the Cordillera San Bias (but not including the Azuero Peninsula) and into central western Costa Rica. An introduced population occurs on Barm Colorado Island in Panama (descended from animals purchased in a Panama City market, J. Eisenberg, pers. comm.). Protected populations also occur in one Costa Rican national park and one biological reserve.
A single Ateles geoffroyi panamensis from the Greater Baton Rouge Zoo is listed in ISIS records. Several animals are reportedly maintained at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago. Given that Panama was an exporter of primates to the U.S. (although a minor one compared to Peru and Colombia) it is likely that this subspecies is better represented in U.S. collections than is believed at present.
Ateles geoffroyi azuerensis
Vernacular name: Azuero spider monkey
As we interpret the description of the two skins seen by Kellogg and Goldman (1944), the back of this animal is grayish-brown in color and somewhat darker than the underside. As in ornatus, the outer surfaces of the limbs are black, but the top of the head and neck are either black or blackish-brown in color. The only museum specimens collected of this subspecies apparently have been lost, and there is some question as to whether it should even be considered a valid taxon.
This little known animal is reported to occur in southern Panama from the Azuero Peninsula west to the Burica Peninsula. This area has undergone extensive deforestation, however, and if A. g. azuerensis still survives it is likely to be only on the western forested slopes of the Azuero Peninsula.
The Terry Lou Zoo in Scotch Plains, New Jersey reports having a single Ateles geoffroyi azuerensis to ISIS, but we have been unable to confirm this identification.
Brad and Trouble
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From: Brad on 01/07/99

Almost Human A Journey into the World of Baboons by Shirley C. Strum excerpts part 17
I was certainly learning about the adolescent males and about what it meant to be part of the adult male system, which seemed infinitely more complex than I had imagined. Each breakthrough in understanding was accompanied by a new and puzzling riddle of behavior
it was now 1978, six years since my initial visit to Kenya, and every so often, just before falling asleep, I would remember my first glimpse of that old truck's motto: No hurry in Africa. There was no irony in this. I wasn't dallying, and the baboons were being marvelously cooperative, but I sometimes felt it would take me a decade to finish my work with the males.
And what about my other life, my life in California with my family and friends? I spent my trips back there trying to explain my ideas and philosophy to my parents, who felt they'd lost a daughter and received very little in return; to my friends, who kept worrying about my future and introducing me to eligible men; to my colleagues--and, especially, to myself.
It's important, I'd tell them. it has to do with all of us, with our pasts and our futures. What I'm discovering is important, but its not easy and it's not quick. Forgive me, I sometimes wanted to say. Understand me.
But why, they asked, couldn't I simply stay in California and study people instead of baboons? I could certainly learn as much, and I could begin to lead a "real" life.
True, I could study people; I'd have a great advantage: I could ask my subjects about what happened at certain times, what they were feeling and thinking, what seemed important or trivial to them. But there would be many disadvantages--not the least being that human subjects can lie. I remember one classic study that spanned nearly a decade. It was five years after the study began that the subjects informed the anthropologist studying them that they had lied to him about everything; now, since they felt they could trust him, they would tell him the truth!
When one studies animals, there are no problems with lying, but there is the problem of how to understand a creature that does not talk. We often forget that we are animals ourselves--that we watch the outside world with specialized senses, with a brain that is geared to integrate this information in a specific way and with a set of emotions strongly invested in one view of how the world works or should work, Many early interpretations of animal behavior were unconsciously anthropomorphic, projections of human behavior onto animals. The problem was greatest in studies of monkeys and apes, since our biological closeness to another creature influences our ability and desire to view it in human terms. It is more difficult to guess what two insects are doing than to intuit the behavior of chimpanzees; and it is even more difficult nor to assume what is happening when we watch the higher primates, because we are so alike and can understand so much more of their communications and emotions.
It was in large part for these reasons that the earliest studies done in this century often went astray. It is easy for us to spot the flaws in E. Kempt's study, published in 1917, in which he concluded that homosexuality was a natural stage in the development of adult human sexuality. He watched rhesus macaques that had been caged together specifically for this study. His observations were correct; he saw the adult males mounting one another frequent, ignoring the females that were caged along with them. Ergo, male homosexual monkeys, he concluded. There were two problems with this interpretation. Primates use many social signals that are derived from sexual behavior yet do not necessarily denote sexual interest. Mounting and grasping another male by the hips can be a greeting or a statement of rank; it is rarely actually sexual. Furthermore, the lack of sexual interest that this particular group of monkeys displayed toward their female cagemates could easily be explained: none of the females had reached sexual maturity. Brad and Trouble

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From: Brad on 01/24/99

Excepts from "Captivity" Primate Conservation #5, Jan. 1985 Part 10 0f 13
Ateles geoffroyi grisescens
Common name: Hooded spider monkey
It appears that this subspecies is variable in coloration, hair color having been described as
'rufescent' in some specimens, 'brownish', 'rusty-colored', 'grizzled-gray', 'dusky' or 'sooty black
with a gold base' in others. Some museum specimens we examined were much lighter in color
than any of the above terminology would indicate. The interpretation of this variability is
somewhat difficult
.Ateles geoffroyi azuerensis is reported to occur in a border area between South and Central
American faunal regions (southeastern Panama and northwestern Colombia), near where
populations of the all-black A. fusciceps robustus and red A. geoffroyi panamensis converge and
where natural spider monkey hybrids have already been reported. Descriptions of grisescens do
agree that this subspecies possesses long, lax hair. The hooded spider monkey is not known to
occur in any protected areas at this time.
The Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, lists a single Ateles geoffroyi grisescens in ISIS records.
This is presumably an animal that was collected from Darien Province, Panama. We have not yet
been able to confirm its identity. Ateles geoffroyi spp. In addition to the Central American spider
monkeys identified to the subspecific level, a large number of zoos report having "Ateles geoffioyi
spp." in their collections. or presume to have a certain subspecies, but remain unsure.
The Central American Ateles geoffroyi present a major problem for both taxonomists and
collection managers. The different subspecies appear to grade into one another and it has been an
almost impossible task to maintain subspecific integrity in cap- tivity. Fortunately, this is the best
represented species of spider monkeys in captivity at this time and, if captive populations can be
reasonably sorted out, a sustainable breeding program should be possible. This is particularly
important for A. g. geoffroyi from Nicaragua, which does not appear to exist in any protected
areas in the wild, but which is probably the most common A. geoffroyi subspecies in captivity.
Further taxonomic research on this species will probably result in the reduction of the number of
subspecies recognized, but for the time being we feel that it is best to follow the Kellogg and
Goldman arrangement until further data become available. Status Summaries Ateles paniscus.
This species appears to be the best protected of all Ateles in the wild, occurring in over 20
national parks, reserves and ecological stations in 5 different countries.
It is reported, however, to have been effectively hunted out in many areas of its range. According
to existing reports, A. p. paniscus appears to be more common in European than in North
American collections. It is possible, however, that a significant number exist in North America
either unidentified, misidentified or unreported. Indeed, this situation is likely to be true for all
Ateles sspp. currently in captivity. We hope that this report will help these animals surface in the
data pool.
Brad and Trouble

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From: Brad on 01/24/99

Excepts from "Captivity" Primate Conservation #5, Jan. 1985 Part 11 0f 13
Apparently, A. p. chamek is slightly more common in captive collections than A. p. paniscus. This is to be expected, at least in North America, based upon relative numbers of black spider monkeys exported from Iquitos, Peru and Leticia, Colombia (A. p. chamek) versus those which were exported from the Guyanas (A. p. paniscus).
Since the two A. paniscus subspecies and A. f robustus are sometimes difficult to distinguish , we would like to request help in obtaining data on key distinguishing characters. Taxonomic descriptions indicate that both A. p. chamek and A. p. paniscus can be distinguished from A. fusciceps robustus by a higher ratio of tail length to head and body length. If these two measurements could be taken on wild-caught captive black spider monkeys during routine veterinary examina- tions and sent to the attention of William Konstant, WWF-U.S. Primate Program, we will use this data to determine if tail length is indeed a useful characteristic for identification.
Ateles fusciceps. This is a poorly studied spider monkey species in the wild. At the present time we know virtually nothing of the Ecuadorian subspecies, A. fusciceps, and there is good reason to believe that it is highly endangered. Its status is the subject of a Primate Action Fund field study to begin in 1985. There is no record of this subspecies in captivity at this time.
A. fusciceps robustus occurs in a small number of protected areas, but lives in an area of the Neotropics (northern Colombia and eastern Panama) that is undergoing rapid deforestation. It also appears to be scarce in captivity, though we believe there may be a larger number than presently reported, with individuafs possibly being assigned to the better known A. paniscus. This assumption is supported by records of export from the port of Barranquilla in northern Colombia and from Panama. This is one subspecies for which we have cytogenetic data from wild-caught animals with known capture. This information may aid in locating it in collections in which it is currently misidentified.
Brad and Trouble
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From: Brad on 01/24/99

Excepts from "Captivity" Primate Conservation #5, Jan. 1985 Part 12 of 13
Ateles belzebuth. The status of the three A. belzebuth subspecies in the wild varies from poor to
critical. A. b. belzebuth is the most widespread geographically and is ptntectetl in a number of
parks and reserves in four different countries. A. belzebuth hybridus, with a more restricted
distribution, is protected in several areas in both countries where it occurs. Recent reports
indicate. however, that both subspecies have been effectively hunted out in large portions of their
former ranges. The situation for A. belzebuth marginatus is even more critical. It is restricted in
range to a small area in Brazil south of the Amazon and is protected only on the outskirts of one
national park. Recent WWF-supported surveys within its range have failed to locate this animal,
and it should be considered highly endangered. In relative terms, the conservation status of A.
belzebuth in the wild appears worse than that of A. paniscus, and similar to that of A. fusciceps.
In captivity, A. belzebuth hybridus is reported more frequently than either of the other two
belzebuth subspecies. The outlook for its sustained management appears promising only if
international cooperative breeding programs can be established, as it is currently maintained in a
small number of collections scattered around the globe. A. b. belzebuth has been positively
identified in only a handful of collections. However, based again on export data from the Peruvian
and Colombian Amazon, we feel that more must exist in captivity than are currently reported. A.
belzebuth marginatus is known to occur in very small numbers at several institutions within its
native Brazil. The outlook for its sustained captive management is bleak at the present time.
Ateles geoffroyi. In the wild. the Central American spider monkeys should perhaps be considered
more vulnerable than the three South American species. Only 2 of the 9 recogniz- ed subspecies
(A. g. vellerosus and A. g. frontatus) appear to have any degree of protection in parks and
reserves. Moreover, Central American countries are likely to lose a greater proportion of their
remaining rain forest cover within the next two decades than will the South America countries.
Five subspecies (A. g. pan, A. g. yacatanensis, A. g. geoffroyi, A. g. azuerensis and A. g.
grisescens) are not known to occur in any protected areas at this time.
The situation in captivity is quite different. A. g. geoffroyi is by far the most common spider
monkey in North American zoos. although it is likely to have been hybridized to a significant
degree at both the subspecific and specific levels. This is perhaps the major stumbling block in
managing A. g. geoffroyi effectively.
Most Central American spider monkeys were imported by the United States from Nicaragua and
Panama, suggesting that the most common subspecies in North American zoos should probably
be A. g. geoffroyi, A. g. frontatus, A. g. ornatus, and A. g. panamensis (and perhaps A. g.
grisescens). We suspect that A. g. vellerosus and A. g. yucatanensis also exist in North American
collections in small numbers, but that A. g. pan and A. g. azuerensis are extremely rare in
captivity, if they exist there at all (and if they are valid subspecies).
Brad and Trouble

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From: Brad on 01/24/99

Excepts from "Captivity" Primate Conservation #5, Jan. 1985 Part 13 of 13
Recommendations for Sustained Captive Management
1. Identification of Captive Ateles-- The first step toward better captive management of Ateles is the proper identification of existing animals. At the present time, few collection managers and curators feel capable of distinguishing the different spider monkey species and subspecies from one another. This review should provide zoos with information which may be used to better identify animals in their collections.
2. Maintenance of Specific and Subspecific Integrity-- Whether one chooses to view Ateles as a genus composed of one, three or four species, it makes good sense to maintain the integrity of distinguishable populations, especially since Ateles is such a wide-ranging genus that is represented in a number of different biogeographical zones. At the most basic level, such maintenance involves the simple segregation of differently colored animals. The text and color guide in this article should help in making the proper distinctions and, where possible, such procedures should be supplemented by cytogenetic analyses.
3. Contribution to Genetic Research-- Aside from field research and examination of museum material, the best tool we have available at the present time to clarify questions of Ateles taxonomy is cytogenetic analysis. Kurt Benirschke of the San Diego Zoological Society has conducted some of the preliminary work on Ateles in this area and is interested in conti- nuing such research. In order to establish a genetic data base which will be useful in identifying and managing spider monkeys in cap- tivity, blood samples are needed from wild-caught animals with known capture localities. Admittedly, such specimens are rare in captivity, but it is important to determine what differences ex- ist among subspecies of Ateles in the wild before this informa- tion can be applied to identification and management of captive- born stock. Requests for cytogenetic analyses should be submit- ted to William Konstant, WWF-U.S. Primate Program.
4. Establishment of Cooperative Breeding Programs-- At this point it appears that several Ateles species and subspecies could benefit from cooperative breeding programs, both on a national and international level, and from consolidation of scattered, non-breeding collections. This should follow careful analysis of collections involved to ensure that specific and/or subspecific integrity are being maintained.
5. Communication with WWF-U.S. Primate Program-- Our preliminary survey of the status of Ateles in captivity was aimed primarily at those institutions which have reported this genus in their collections. The WWF-U.S. Primate Program will continue to function as a clearinghouse for information concerning the status of spider monkeys in captivity. We encourage institutions which responded to our initial questionnaire to provide information updates on the status of their collections. In addi- tion, we plan to conduct a more comprehensive survey by reaching many of those institutions whose collections are not currently represented in the existing data pool. Finally, it is clear that at some point in the future an Ateles studbook and an Ateles SSP should be developed by an interested institution to ensure that captive breeding of these important animals makes a significant contribution to their conservation.
William Konstant, Russell A. Mittermeier, Stephen David Nash World Wildlife Fund - U.S. 1601 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20009
Brad and Trouble
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From: Jenny and Amy on 07/08/99

We are looking to buy a spider monkey. If anyone has any information on where to get one, please email us.
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From: HILARY PECK on 09/27/99

HI I AM DOING A REPORT ON SPIDER MONKEYS FOR SCHOOL CAN YOU SEND ME A PICTURE OR TWO NO WORDS JUST A PICTURE OR TWO.?
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From: robert on 09/30/99

they rule

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From: charlotte on 11/04/99

were do you find spider monkeys
the golden spider monkey
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From: r on 11/10/99

monkey are fun to pet
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From: k on 11/10/99

hairy monkeys rule
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From: eric on 11/16/99

any information on where to purchase a monkey,
contact me at kmyers6@aol.com or varton34@aol.com
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From: (o,o) i see u on 11/30/99

shock the monkey
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From: Whitney on 12/02/99

This bulletin board is senseless without pictures! Please put in some pictures so I can print it out for my school report!!!
thanx anyway :(
whitney
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From: Laura Owens on 12/03/99

Any information on where to purchase a pet monkey, preferable
a smaller breed? please contaact me at poscc69@excite.com
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From: joe on 12/23/99

if anyone has any info on how to buy or where to buy a spider monkey e mail me at starla1624@aol.com
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From: Kayla on 01/05/00

If anyone in the whole world can give me lots of info on a spider monkey's anatomay please email me at gus_49@hotmail.com.
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From: Wright, Tracy on 01/08/00

As per "laura Owens";
WE also would like to know if we are able to purchase a
spider monkey. We live in California and my parents had
2 spider monkeys as I was growing up.
I am proud of the footage that they captured on their 8 mm film, of both Timmy and Pokey. It makes my family want to own such a special animal. If you could educate us on how to purchase such an extravagant and beautiful animal here
in California, we would be very grateful!!!
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From: JeterRulz16 on 01/09/00

Can you send me some information about spider monkeys
please?? I would really appreciate it alot. Thank
you and have a nice day!!
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From: laurie snyder on 01/09/00

I want some information on purchasing a spider monkeys . And house training them
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From: mollio on 01/10/00

i am doing a project on them reply and post here by 1/11/00

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From: Dustin Albanese on 01/20/00

I am looking for a spider monkey. If anyone has any information on how or where I could purchase one of these animals, I would greatly appreciate it.
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From: on 02/11/00

Monkeys kick @!$
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From: Amber Williams on 02/22/00

hi im looking for a spider monkey kind of small no.a lower price please if possible.
thanx,
amber
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From: Cristina on 02/27/00

spider monkeys are cute but dangerous

Cristina
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From: Diana on 03/12/00

If anybody knows where I can get a spider monkey Email me at:
Tommygirl491@aol.com
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From: Marie Litts on 03/15/00

Please send me some pictures, I love all monkeys. I think they are so cute. I collect monkeys!!!!!!!!!!
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From: mail on 03/19/00

I need to know how to purchase a spider monkey? Any one please e-mail me.
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From: Rick on 03/29/00

I love Spider Monkeys. They're damn cute. I want one, how do you get one? Let me know please.

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From: callum martin on 04/09/00

i need a timeline
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From: Jamie Henwood on 04/09/00

Spider monkies RULE
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From: Ben Ahlteen on 04/27/00

wanted-spidermonkey-resonable price-will take good care of it-
any kind is fine.
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From: jesse on 06/05/00

it sucked
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From: jesse on 06/05/00

it ROCKED
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From: Maro on 09/17/00

if anyone knows how mI love bushbabies.I want one, how do you get one? Let me know please.

uch a license to own a bushbaby costs, tell me, @

mr_valdo@hotmail.com

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From: Samantha on 09/25/00

I think monkey's are cute.
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From: Crystal on 09/25/00

Hi ,If ANYONE has any information about where I can purchace a MONKEY and which breed is the best for a house pet.... PLEASE E-mail me, My E-mail is Platinum_Blue@excite.com
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From: Anantha Krishna Sharma on 10/04/00

hi, lot of work going on the lion-tailed macaque's reproductive behaviour in India in wild habitat. The so many work is going on this species very distribution, social behaviourand male migration. If things are not reaching you people contact.
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From: Kevin on 10/13/00

I would like to purchase a monkey also so if anyone has any inforamation on how I can get one please email me.

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From: on 10/24/00

I THINK THAT YOU NEED TO PUT MORE WEB SITES ON ABOUT SPIDER MONKEYS
AND PICTURES.

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From: Josh on 11/02/00

How can I go about in purchasing a spider monkey?
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From: Penny on 11/20/00

I think that you should have more info on spider monkeys. More of things like good full pictures, what they eat, what their habitat is, how they survive, and things like that.
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From: N.O.Y.B on 12/14/00

Your website didn't help at all. It didn't have the information I needed. You need to be more specific about monkeys. You didn't mention anything about the number of chromosomes they had. Thank you anyways.
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From: Matt on 01/25/01

Hi I was wondering where I could get a Spider Monkey and how much.

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From: Am on 02/07/01

do you have any info for me?

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From: Am on 02/07/01

do you have any info for me?

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From: jeff on 02/10/01

Where can i get a monkey at?
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From: on 02/15/01

hey i would like to see some monkeys on this page now
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From: vanita jayswal on 03/08/01

Im doing a report all about Spider Monkeys and they are fasinatinng. im in 8th grade.
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From: Vanita Jayswal on 03/08/01

hey wazzzz upppppppp. spider monkeys are cool. they are soooo cute
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From: Vanita Jayswal on 03/09/01

Their are a lot of various kinds of Spider MOnkeys one are Wolly Spider monkey and other are just Spider Monkeys. THey have various kinds of fur they have yellowish brownish fur.
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From: kaytlyn on 03/12/01

Can you PLEASE put this in french right know because I have a project in french due Tuesday and I just found out Today.

PLEASE
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From: lauren on 03/13/01

hi my name is lauren and i am doing research on spider monkeys so if you could help me out and give me some facts you will be thankedalot thanksbye
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From: lauren on 03/13/01

hi my name is lauren and i am doing research on spider monkeys so if you could help me out and give me some facts you will be thankedalot thanksbye
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From: tara on 03/28/01

what does a spier monkey look like? size? wieght? What type of animal? how it sonds? how it moves? what doesits footprints look like?
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From: mick on 04/05/01

where can i get pictures by 03/5/0?

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From: Brianne on 04/17/01

How are monkeys, giraffes,lions,whales, and pandas displayed in zoos?
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From: Mikelle on 05/12/01

Hey! Yo! Uuummm, i just need to find a picture of a monkey for a project! That's all I need! So.......ya! :) bye
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From: Andrianna on 05/21/01

Yo! ummm, i only need some pics of monkeys for this report/project so yeah, see ya!
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From: Jeremy on 08/16/01

do you know where i can find any spider moneys for sale or if you have one yourself for sale..Any reply would be great i am really looking for one of my own. thank you
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From: Jordan on 10/01/01

I'm looking for a monkey to have for a pet. Send info.
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From: Jordan on 10/01/01

I'm looking for a monkey to have for a pet. Send info.
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From: Jordan on 10/01/01

I'm looking for a monkey to have for a pet. Send info.
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From: Stavyoi and brundino on 10/24/01

Can you give me and my friend some info on weird types of monkeys for our report please? It would really help us. Please only send a few pages at the most. Thank you sooooooooooo much.
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From: Stavyoi and brundino on 10/24/01

From: on 11/11/01

grgtr
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From: on 11/11/01

grgtr
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From: Tori Ann Williams on 12/11/01

Hello all ; +) I am looking for a Spider Monkey for my 11 year old son. Which basically means Mom will be the primary care giver. I do have a little primate experience as a youth my family and I had a Squirrel monkey. I do not mind paying a little extra if the seller is a very reputable dealer. Please Please maybe someone could point me into the direction I need to be going in order of obtainning this very special package for a very special kid, Thank You.

T.A.W.
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From: on 12/12/01

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opsgpgjhu9sdutuAU9TYU90YERA09UY90ERUY90ERUY9UY9TU9YUY99TFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
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From: on 12/14/01

why are these monkeys called spider monkeys

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From: Erica Downing on 12/15/01

I like Spider Monkeys!!! Can you please give me info. on them?
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