Taxonomic uncertainty in a neotropical primate: The case of ateles fusciceps rufiventris sclater, 1871 (primates: Atelidae).

Abstract

The taxonomy of spider monkeys (Ateles spp.) in the Colombian Pacific region has been controversial in the scientific literature, with several hypotheses derived from biogeographical, morphological and genetic analyzes. Uncertainty concerning the specific identity of this taxon makes decision making more difficult for the conservation of this group of primates in the Neotropics. In this study, we present a systematic review which supports that populations of spider monkeys of the north-Andean portion of the Pacific should be assigned to Ateles fusciceps rufiventris.