Spider monkey use of natural and artificial terrestrial water sources in Calakmul, Mexico

Research in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Calakmul, Mexico, reveals that Geoffroy’s spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) increasingly rely on terrestrial water sources during the rainy season, particularly when large predators are absent. Camera-trapping recorded 25 instances where adult males used natural and artificial ground water, suggesting habitat disruptions—such as climate change or selective logging—may drive this behavior. The study highlights how environmental changes can alter the water-seeking patterns of arboreal species, offering insights into their adaptability and ecological dynamics.

Delgado-Martínez, C. M., Spaan, D., Contreras-Moreno, F. M., Simá-Pantí, D. E., & Mendoza, E. (2021). Spider monkey use of natural and artificial terrestrial water sources in Calakmul, Mexico. Behaviour, 158(2), 161–175. https://doi.org/10.1163/1568539x-bja10056