[1] The species is endemic to central Brazil, specifically along the southeastern Amazon River in the State of Pará.

This strip of land extends northward to Forte Curupá (Gurupá), Brazil, which is the northernmost extent of the distribution of Spix's red-handed howler and also its type locality.

[3] Spix's red-handed howlers generally move in groups of 4-11 individuals, and have relatively small home ranges, 5-45 ha in size.

[1] Spix's red-handed howler is currently listed as a Vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, based on a population decrease of over 30% over the past 3 generations, mainly due to habitat loss.

[1] The main threat to the species is habitat destruction by logging as well as land conversion for cattle ranching and soy plantations.