Spider Monkeys Face Extinction as Quintana Roo Expands

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Rapid urban growth and the expansion of tourism infrastructure in Quintana Roo have led to severe habitat fragmentation for wildlife, including the critically endangered spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), according to conservation experts. The species is listed as at risk under Mexico’s NOM-059-Semarnat-2010 regulations, raising concerns about its long-term survival.

Habitat Loss Threatens Nomadic Primates

Óscar H. Monzón, head of conservation and research at the Akumal Sanctuary Foundation, warned that the destruction of natural habitats poses a direct threat to spider monkeys in southeastern Mexico.

“Spider monkeys are nomadic by nature, traveling across vast jungle areas of up to five kilometers and returning to specific points in their territory after about five months,” Monzón explained. “But when they come back, they often find roads or housing developments where there used to be jungle.”

Habitat loss, illegal wildlife trafficking, and unchecked urbanization have led to increased roadkill incidents, electrocutions from power lines, and forced displacement of entire monkey groups. Monzón noted that many rescued monkeys arrive at the sanctuary with severe injuries, some with their teeth filed down—a sign of illegal trafficking.

Government and Sanctuary Efforts

In May 2025, Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) launched the Protocol for the Care of Non-Human Primates in Quintana Roo. The protocol outlines emergency response measures for extreme heat, wildfires, and road accidents amid rising cases of primate endangerment.

The Akumal Sanctuary Foundation, located on a 16-hectare reserve, focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating wildlife affected by habitat destruction or abuse. The facility houses a significant population of spider monkeys, followed by howler monkeys, as well as rescued squirrel monkeys, capuchins, tamarins, and marmosets—many of which were illegally sold as pets.

Monzón emphasized that trafficking primates is a crime punishable by up to eight years in prison.

Lisset Nava, the foundation’s director, reported that the organization has rescued 250 animals from over 40 species, including snakes and coatis.

The ongoing urban and tourism-driven expansion in Quintana Roo continues to challenge conservation efforts, placing further pressure on already vulnerable wildlife populations.