The Wonders of God’s Creation
There are many species of monkeys in the northern parts of South and Central America — all having long prehensile (grasping) tails. They have also been provided with long legs and arms, all important to their way of life. Not only can they use their tails to grasp tree limbs, but the tips of their tails have a remarkable sense of touch so that they can hook tasty insects or other objects out of crevices or holes in trees.
Sad, but true, if a spider monkey is mortally wounded it will curl its tail around a branch as it dies and remain suspended head downward until it is removed or its body decays.
The long tails and sprawling legs of these monkeys make them appear awkward, as they twist the soles of their forepaws outward and the hind paws inward when on the ground. But in trees they are completely at home and move swiftly and gracefully about, using their long arms, legs and tails.
The red-faced (or coaita) variety is only about a foot long from nose to tail; its tail adds another two feet. The name “red-faced” is not entirely accurate, for its head is actually a dark copper color, showing some red in bright sunlight. The rest of it is mostly shiny black.
These are residents of both Brazil and Guiana, and they are much loved by most of the people. They will swing by their tails or lean against a tree for hours at a time. But if threatened, they scoot away so swiftly that nothing but a bird could keep up with them.
A hunter told of trying to shoot one of these in the top of a tall tree. It fell headlong for about 30 feet, at which point its tail wrapped around a limb, bringing it to an immediate stop. It hung there a short time and then took off, making its escape before the hunter got in another shot. Aren’t you glad it got away?
Another species, living along the Amazon River, is the variegated with quite similar habits to the others. Its black fur is somewhat longer and its tail more bushy. Those who have watched it report that it will sit for great lengths of time high in a tree without moving; then suddenly it becomes active, swinging swiftly backwards and forwards in an upside down position, just like the pendulum of a big clock.
Another interesting variety will be considered in the next issue. Meanwhile let us remember these are part of God’s creation, in which He took delight, as our above Bible verse informs us. Like God, we too may take delight in His creation.
(To be continued)
ML-08/20/1989