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Howler Monkeys and Spider Monkeys: Atelidae

Atelids And People

Atelids are valued for their meat. Spider monkeys and muriquis are collected as pets because they are typically good-natured.

A THIRD HAND

All atelids have a prehensile, or grasping, tail. A prehensile tail is muscular and is bare underneath in the last third of the tail. The bare skin has tiny, fingerprint-like ridges that provide a firm grip around branches, just like an extra hand. An animal can wrap its tail around a sturdy branch, freeing up its hands to reach for fruits and new leaves at the end of weaker branches.

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceMammalsHowler Monkeys and Spider Monkeys: Atelidae - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Atelids And People, Conservation Status, Venezuelan Red Howler Monkey (alouatta Seniculus): Species Accounts - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET