TUXTLA GUTIÉRREZ, CHIS. – The third calf was born spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi vellerosus) in the Sumidero Canyon National Parklocated in the area of Tuxtla Gutierrez. The new specimen confirms the recovery of the species in that biodiversity area, after 30 years of absence, reported the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp).
The new breeding It descends from a pair that was part of the group of 12 individuals that were reintroduced on November 28, 2016.
After their adaptation, the alpha male and the dominant female managed to establish themselves successfully and demonstrated the viability of the ecosystem on the west wall of the Sumidero Canyon.
The pair of monkeys managed to establish themselves on the west wall of the Sumidero Canyon. | Photo: Special.
The family group of these specimens is in good health and is made up of an adult male and female (founding pair), as well as a juvenile female (first offspring); a juvenile male (second calf) and the newborn calf.
Conanp explained that the birth of the spider monkey is the result of joint work between that federal institution, the Miguel Álvarez del Toro Regional Zoo and the civil association Conservation of the Biodiversity of Usumacinta.
Satellite monitoring and monthly tours have made it possible to document that the family feeds on native species such as ramón, sapodilla and fig, which shows the environmental restoration of the site.
The family is made up of the couple and three children | Photo: Special.
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The responsible authorities indicated that, to guarantee the integrity of the new offspring and the visitor safetya series of preventive measures are recommended to nautical tourism service providers and visitors.
They ask to maintain a minimum radius of 20 meters from the river bank to the boat, in the event of any sighting, respect natural behavior, avoid excessive noise or actions that could cause stress to animals.
In addition to maintain permanent cautionbecause he alpha male maintains protective behavior active towards its offspring and could react aggressively to perceived threats.
The spider monkey is characterized by its prehensile tail with tactile functions. | Photo: Special.
He spider monkey It is characterized by its prehensile tail with tactile functions, the absence of thumbs to facilitate brachiation, and a frugivorous diet that positions it as a key seed disperser.
Biologically, it stands out for its fission-fusion social structure and a slow reproductive rate, with gestation and breeding periods that extend up to four years.
In Mexico, the spider monkey is in danger of extinctionaccording to the NOM-059- Semarnat-20and lives mainly in tropical forests in the southeast of the country.
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