Wildlife of Central and South America

Spider Monkeys

• Habitat: Tropical forests of Central and South America, from Mexico to Brazil
• Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, flowers, and insects
• Physical Characteristics:
  • Large, powerful bodies, weighing up to 9 kg (20 lbs)
  • Long, agile arms and hands with flexible fingers
  • Strong, prehensile tails used as an additional hand
• Social Structure:
  • Live in large groups of up to 35 individuals, led by a dominant male
  • Females often form close bonds, while males will often leave their natal group
• Reproduction:
  • Females give birth to a single offspring after a 7.5-month gestation period
  • Infants cling to their mothers' backs for several months before becoming independent

Pájaros (Birds)

• Diversity: Over 10,000 species, ranging in size, shape, and behavior
• Characteristics:
  • Feathers, wings, and light skeletons for flight
  • Beaks, adapted for specific diets (e.g., seeds, insects, nectar)
  • Highly developed senses, including vision and hearing
• Migration and Habitat:
  • Many species migrate between breeding and wintering grounds
  • Found in diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and wetlands
• Behavior:
  • Social behavior varies, from solitary to flocking species
  • Complex communication systems, including songs and calls