Habitat:
Tropical forests, rainforests, lowland forests

Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.

Identification and description:
The white-bellied spider monkey, Ateles belzebuth, is an arboreal primate primarily inhabiting the tropical forests of South America. Recognizable by its black fur and distinctive white face, it has long limbs and a prehensile tail that enable agile movement through the canopy. This social monkey lives in groups of up to 30 individuals, although they often split into smaller subgroups to forage. Primarily frugivorous, it also consumes leaves, flowers, and insects. Unfortunately, Ateles belzebuth is threatened by deforestation and hunting, leading to a decline in its population.

Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
To photograph the white-bellied spider monkey, it is advisable to use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture detailed images from a distance. As these monkeys are suspicious, it is important to remain discreet and blend into the environment to avoid scaring them. Opt for early morning or late afternoon hours when the light is soft and the monkeys are active. Use a tripod to stabilize your camera and adjust your settings to compensate for the monkeys' quick movements in the trees.