From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
| Howler monkey | ||||||||||||||||
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 Larger version | ||||||||||||||||
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A. palliata or A. villosa' A. pigra A. seniculus A. belzebul A. fusca A. caraya |
The howler monkeys, genus Alouatta, are among the largest of the New World monkeys. Six species are currently recognised. They range in size from 56 to 92cm, excluding their tail which can be as long again; they are the largest of the Cebidae. As in all the New World monkeys, their tails are prehensile. They have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. These monkeys are native to South and Central American forests. As their name suggests, vocal communication forms an important part of their social behaviour. Threats to howler monkeys include being hunted for food and export.
Their name comes from their distinctive loud barking whoop they make, which can be heard over considerable distances. They have an enlarged basihyal or hyoid bone which helps them make their loud sound.
Their prehensile tails are strong enough to support the monkey's entire body weight, although they seldom do so. The first 2 fingers of each hand are set apart and are opposable to the other three. They very seldom leave the trees.
The large slow moving monkeys are the only folivores of the New World monkeys. Howlers eat mainly top canopy leaves, together with fruit, buds, and flowers. They move quadrapaedaly and do not bracheate, usually holding on to a branch with at least two hands or one hand and the tail at all times.
The Central American howlers, known as Mantled Howler Monkeys, are classified either as Alouatta palliata or Alouatta villosa. They live in groups of usually about 18 individuals.
Howlers and humans
Howlers are seen in the art of the Pre-Columbian Maya civilization.
Alexander von Humboldt said that "their eyes, voice, and gait are indicative of melancholy", while John Lloyd Stephens described those at the ruins of Copan as "grave and solemn as if officiating as the guardians of consecrated ground".
While seldom agressive, they do not take well to captivity and are of surly disposition, and hence are the only monkey in their forests not made a pet by the Native Americans.
