A Risk Assessment for the Black-handed spider monkey, Ateles geoffroyi ssp.frontatus has been conducted by the Department.
As a key component of risk assessment for import into Tasmania, conventional climate modelling was applied to compare the state’s environment with the species’ natural range CLIMATCH revealed “low” potential for suitable habitat across the entire state.
The risk assessment determined the Black-handed spider monkey as moderately dangerous to humans, having a low establishment risk and with a low consequence of establishment. It was therefore proposed the species be assigned to a moderate threat category.
Following the initial risk assessment, the Department considers permitting the importation of animals assessed as ‘moderate risk’ into the State as long as appropriate mitigation measures, enforced through a wildlife exhibition licence, can be identified and applied.
Mitigation options to reduce the risk associated with importing Black-handed spider monkey could include:
- Limit importation to registered wildlife parks or zoos to ensure that holding facilities meet the stringent keeping standards that apply to all such institutions in Tasmania;
- Require any wildlife park or zoo to submit a Black-handed spider monkey Species Management Plan (including enclosure details) prior to import; and
- Require wildlife exhibition facility licence holders to clearly demonstrate that they have proficient keepers for the species.
Risk Assessment Black Handed Spider Monkey (141Kb)