The black spider monkey—also known as the Guiana or red-faced spider monkey—is found in eastern South America in areas north of the Amazon River. They are one of seven species of spider monkeys found in Latin America and one of the largest primate species in South America. Spider monkeys (of several species) live in the tropical rain forests of Central and South America and occur as far north as Mexico. They have long, lanky arms and prehensile (gripping) tails that enable them to move gracefully from branch to branch and tree to tree. These nimble monkeys spend most of their time aloft, and maintain a powerful grip on branches even though they have no thumbs. Typically, females give birth to only a single baby every two to five years. Young monkeys depend completely on their mothers for about ten weeks, but after that time they begin to explore on their own and play amongst themselves. Mothers continue to care for their young for the first year of their lives, and often move about with their offspring clinging to their backs. The largest of the spider monkeys, the black spider monkey is also distinguished by its long, glossy black hair, which gives the body a robust, rather ape-like appearance.
Bibliography: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/spider-monkey/
http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/black-spider-monkey
http://www.arkive.org/black-spider-monkey/ateles-paniscus/
http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/black-spider-monkey
http://www.arkive.org/black-spider-monkey/ateles-paniscus/