This allowed the hands to form hooks for branch swinging. This tail functions as a fifth arm. The underside of the tail has no hair and is lined with ridges much like our own fingertips. This gives the monkey a good grip and keeps him from slipping. The ridges also increase traction in the tail tip for picking up small objects.
Spider monkeys use their tail just as they use their hands.
Spider monkeys give birth at any time of the year. Usually one baby is born after a gestation period of about 4 months. The mother will carry her baby close to her chest until it is old enough to travel on her back. Inc Copyright 1999 Central Florida Zoological Park. All rights reserved.