Black-handed Spider Monkeys
Ateles geoffroyi
The Black-handed Spider Monkey is one of the largest species of New World monkeys. Despite being distributed throughout Central America, A. geoffroyi is considered to be an endangered species. The name is derived from their long, lanky appendages, hook-like fingers, and prehensile tail, which are all adaptations that make these primates one of the most well equipped "tree swingers" around. As a result, spider monkeys are usually found high up in the canopy. The patient observer can get a closer look by carefully studying the habits of these animals. This trio was photographed very low in the trees, an area they had selected for a mid-day nap.
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica