Black-faced Black Spider Monkey

Protecting endangered Spider Monkeys from wildfire, poaching, and habitat destruction in the Bolivian Amazon

The black-faced black spider monkey (Ateles chamek) is an endangered species native to the Amazon rainforest and a key player in maintaining its ecological balance. These agile primates are expert seed dispersers, enabling the genetic exchange and regeneration of plant life that sustains the intricate web of life in their ecosystem. Despite their importance, spider monkeys face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, illegal hunting, wildlife trafficking, and the increasing risk of wildfires intensified by climate change. The survival of this species is closely linked to the health of the Amazon, highlighting the urgency of their conservation.

In Bolivia, organizations such as Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY) are at the forefront of efforts to protect spider monkeys and their habitats. CIWY has spent three decades fighting wildlife trafficking, rehabilitating rescued animals, and protecting critical habitats, such as the Jacj Cuisi Wildlife Sanctuary. But the challenges remain daunting. Illegal hunting and logging continue, often due to a lack of awareness of endangered species and conservation laws among rural and indigenous communities. In addition, the lack of sustainable livelihoods drives many local people into environmentally damaging practices.

A particularly serious and escalating threat is forest fires. Once outside wildfire-prone areas, Jacj Cuisi is now increasingly at risk due to rising global temperatures and uncontrolled agricultural burns. The fire season of 2023 underscored this vulnerability, as CIWY teams spent over two months battling fires that threatened both the sanctuary and a neighbouring indigenous community. These fires not only destroyed vast areas of habitat, but also resulted in the deaths of numerous wild animals.

To address these threats, in 2025 CIWY, under the leadership of the biologist, Ingrid Johana Bustos Hernández, will launch a project to protect spider monkeys and other Amazonian species. Central to this effort is the implementation of a forest fire early warning system, using drone technology to monitor fire-prone areas around Jacj Cuisi in real time. The system will enable the rapid identification and reporting of fire hotspots, allowing local authorities to take immediate action. Trained patrol rangers will also play a key role in fire prevention and monitoring, as well as protecting against illegal logging and poaching.

In addition, CIWY will promote habitat restoration through reforestation and agroforestry, addressing degraded land and providing sustainable livelihoods for communities. The agroforestry initiative, which includes planting economically valuable and ecologically compatible species, will serve as a model for local communities, demonstrating how livelihoods can thrive without harming the forest. Conservation education is another cornerstone of the project, equipping rural and indigenous communities with the knowledge to identify endangered species, understand conservation laws and adopt sustainable practices.

This comprehensive approach aims to stabilize the spider monkey population while promoting a healthier, more resilient Amazon ecosystem. The project not only protects an endangered species but also lays the foundation for harmonious coexistence between communities and nature, ensuring a sustainable future for all.