Oe of the most remarkable and gentle primates of South America. Found only in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, this species is the largest monkey in the Americas, and sadly, also one of the most endangered. Known for its peaceful social behavior, impressive agility, and long prehensile tail, the Southern muriqui embodies a unique combination of strength, grace, and harmony rarely seen in the primate world.

Physically, the Southern muriqui is striking. Their fur is thick, woolly, and pale brown to grayish, giving them a soft, plush appearance that inspired their nickname, “woolly spider monkey.” Their prehensile tail—strong, flexible, and covered with a hairless gripping patch at the tip—acts almost like a fifth limb. This adaptation allows them to move fluidly through the treetops, swinging gracefully from branch to branch in the upper canopy. Muriquis rarely descend to the ground, living almost their entire lives among the trees.

The Southern muriqui’s home, the Atlantic Forest, is one of the most biologically rich but also most threatened ecosystems on Earth. These monkeys inhabit tropical and subtropical rainforests, preferring areas with tall, continuous tree canopies that allow for easy travel and abundant fruit. They are primarily frugivorous, meaning they eat mostly fruits, but their diet is diverse—they also consume leaves, flowers, seeds, and bark depending on the season. Their flexible diet helps them adapt to changes in fruit availability, but it also ties them closely to the health of their forest habitat. Because they eat and disperse large quantities of seeds, Southern muriquis play a vital ecological role in maintaining forest regeneration and biodiversity.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Brazil

1,100-1,200

Official estimate

CR

2019

Paraná, Rio De Janeiro, São Paulo