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More About Howler Monkeys ...
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The howler monkeys (genus Alouatta monotypic in subfamily Mycetinae) are among the largest of the New World monkeys. Six species are currently recognised. Previously classified in the family Cebidae, they are now placed in the family Atelidae.
Howler monkeys range in size from 56 to 92cm, excluding their tail which can be as long again. Like many New World monkeys, they have prehensile tails. They have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. These monkeys are native to South and Central American forests. Threats to howler monkeys include being hunted for food and export.
As their name suggests, vocal communication forms an important part of their social behaviour. Specifically, the 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. Unlike other New World monkeys, both male and female howler monkeys have trichromatic colour vision.
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 quadrapedally and do not brachiate, usually holding on to a branch with at least two hands or one hand and the tail at all times.
The Central American howler, known as the Mantled Howler Monkey, is classified as Alouatta palliata, although some primatologists use A. villosa for historical precidence. They live in groups of usually about 18 individuals.
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Taxonmony
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Phylum: chordata
Class: mammalia
Order: primates
Family: Atelidae
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Source: Wikipedia Read more about Howler Monkeys
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INFO LINKS
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Black Howler Monkey
Honolulu Zoo
Black Howler Monkey Read More
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Guatemalan howler monkey
BBC Nature: Wildfacts
Guatemalan howler monkey: Facts and Pictures Read More
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Howler Monkey
National Geographic
Howler Monkey fact sheet and pictures; audio clip Read More
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Black Howler Monkey
The Belize Zoo
Interesting narrative. "The Black Howler Monkey, known as the "baboon" in Belize, is the largest monkey in Belize and one of the largest in the Americas". Read More
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Black Howler Monkey
National Zoo
Black Howler Monkey fact sheet Read More
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Howler Monkey
Animals Of The Rainforest
Brief description, taxonomic information, pictures, and links Read More
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Black Howler Monkey
Houston Zoo
About Black Howler Monkey Read More
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