Kouatta

A Kouatta (also spelled Quatta or Coaita) is the common name used to refer to several species within the genus Ateles, a group of New World monkeys also known as spider monkeys. These primates are characterized by their long, prehensile tails, which act as a fifth limb, aiding in locomotion and balance within the arboreal environment.

Kouattas are found in tropical rainforests throughout Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Brazil. They are highly social animals, typically living in groups ranging from a few individuals to several dozen. These troops exhibit fission-fusion social structures, where subgroups regularly split and merge depending on food availability and other environmental factors.

Their diet primarily consists of fruits, leaves, seeds, and insects. Kouattas play an important role in seed dispersal within their ecosystems.

Several species of Ateles are considered endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these unique and important primates and their rainforest habitats.