What Animals Eat Hybrid Spider Monkeys?

The hybrid spider monkey is a subspecies of the brown spider monkey. It is a critically endangered species found only in the forests of mainland Colombia and Venezuela. Deforestation and hunting by humans have led to endangerment of the species, which now has protected status. Even with protection, the monkeys are still vulnerable to a number of natural predators.

  1. Jaguar

    • Jaguars can be found in several parts of the world, including the areas where hybrid spider monkeys live. The jaguar is one of the monkey's most-threatening predators, growing, on average, to more than six feet in length and more than 200 pounds. The big cat can climb, but likely not high enough to catch a monkey in a tree. When the monkeys descend to the forest floor to forage for food, however, jaguars can easily prey on them.

    Harpy Eagle

    • Native to much of Central and South America, the harpy eagle is a common presence in the hybrid spider monkey's habitat. Harpy eagles are large birds of prey that grow to 35 inches tall, 19 pounds, and have a swing span exceeding six feet. The troop lifestyle of spider monkeys usually protects them against flying predators, with individuals sounding an alarm if danger is spotted. However, a harpy eagle can sometimes foil a troop's defenses and pluck a monkey from a tree branch with its strong talons.

    Cougar/Puma

    • Scientifically known as puma concolor, this animal, which inhabits parts of North and South America, goes by several names: mountain lion and cougar, in North America, and puma, in South America. It shares the same habitat as the hybrid spider monkey and is similar in size to the jaguar. The puma can not climb as well as a jaguar but it prey on monkeys on the ground by using stealth and ambush attacks.

    Ocelot

    • The ocelot is the largest of the small American cat family known as leopardus. It is much smaller than a jaguar or a puma, growing, on average, to more than 30 inches in length and up to 35 pounds. It lives in the southern U.S. and Central and South America. It is an adept climber and could catch a monkey in a tree, but it most likely would stalk a monkey on the forest floor.