Near-Extinct Monkeys Found in Colombian Park
Seeing rare species "was a very emotional moment," scientist says.
During a recent survey, scientists found the brown spider monkey subspecies A. hybridus brunneus living within the park. (Also see "First Pictures: Live Snub-Nosed Monkeys Caught on Camera.")
That subspecies and another, A. hybridus hybridus, were previously known to live on either side of the Magdalena River, which passes through Selva de Florencia.
Considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the brown spider monkey has declined in its north South American range by at least 80 percent over the past 45 years, due mostly to hunting and habitat loss.
Based on the new survey, the scientists estimate that fewer than 30 individuals of A. hybridus brunneus exist
