One of the most mysterious and little-known primates in the Amazon. Endemic to a limited region of Brazil, this elusive monkey is a member of the bearded saki genus (Chiropotes), a group of primates known for their fluffy beards, powerful jaws, and acrobatic treetop lifestyle. But among them, Uta Hick’s bearded saki stands out—not for flashy behavior or appearance, but for its rarity, limited range, and conservation urgency.

This species was named in honor of Uta Hick, a German primatologist whose work contributed to primate research in South America. Described as a distinct species only in the 2000s, Chiropotes utahickae was once thought to be a population of another bearded saki, but genetic and morphological studies revealed it to be a unique species. It is found in a small area between the Xingu and Tocantins Rivers in eastern Amazonia, under intense deforestation and agricultural pressure.

Physically, Uta Hick’s bearded saki shares the classic look of its genus: a thick, dark coat, prominent facial beard, and a bushy tail used for balance rather than gripping. Like its relatives, it’s built for life in the upper canopy of tall rainforest trees, where it moves in groups and feeds almost exclusively on hard fruits and seeds. Its strong jaw and specialized teeth allow it to crack open seeds that other monkeys can’t eat—making it a true seed predator rather than just a fruit-eater.

Behaviorally, Uta Hick’s bearded saki is highly social, living in groups of 15 to 30 individuals, often moving together through the treetops in coordinated, agile leaps. The group stays in close contact using vocalizations, tail flicks, and grooming behavior. Though not especially loud or showy, these monkeys are always alert, cautious, and well-adapted to navigating the forest’s complex canopy.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Brazil

VU

2015