They need large areas of mature rainforest and cannot survive in fragmented forests or developed land. Despite being listed as endangered by the IUCN, their populations have drastically declined across Costa Rica and beyond. Spider monkeys are crucial for ecosystems, dispersing seeds of over 150 plant species that other wildlife depend on.

 

The Spider Monkey Project aims to restore and connect their habitat while reducing threats. Spider monkeys are both umbrella and keystone species, protecting other species and significantly influencing their environment. Led by environmentalist Dr. Jenna Lawson, the project employs acoustic and machine-learning techniques to study spider relationships with forest cover, land use, and illegal activities. The team monitors dietary and behavioral changes in response to human-induced threats like construction noise and hunting, as well as land use changes such as farming and development.

 

The project is creating strategies and policies to mitigate human impact, enhance forest connectivity, and link three protected areas on the Osa Peninsula: Corcovado National Park, Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve, and Piedras Blancas National Park. In addition, the project is building a range-wide classifier for the Geoffroy’s spider monkey, with the aim of supporting researchers to use acoustics to study this species across its range.