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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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VIDEO CLIPS
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Howler Monkey
1.200MB MOV View Movie
Tropical Ecosystems of Costa Rica and Panama (R. Hays Cummins, Miami University)
Howler Monkeys (Alouatta palliata) are common in many locations in Costa Rica. These two Howlers were separated from their troop for most of the day along the SE Caribbean coast.
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Howler Monkey
13.960MB MOV View Movie
Tropical Ecosystems of Costa Rica and Panama (R. Hays Cummins, Miami University)
Howler Monkeys relaxing along the banks of the Tempisque River, Palo Verde National Park.
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Howler Monkey
15.120MB MOV View Movie
Tropical Ecosystems of Costa Rica and Panama (R. Hays Cummins, Miami University)
A troop of howler monkeys.
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Black Howler Monkey
0.350MB MPG View Movie
Honolulu Zoo
Black Howler Monkey Video
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Brown howling monkey
MOV View Movie
Arkive.org
Nice selection of Brown howling monkey video clips available in various formats
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Black Howler Monkey
0.630MB MOV View Movie
The Belize Zoo
Clip of Black Howler Monkey
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Red Howler Monkey
0.690MB MOV View Movie
Hato Piñero
Red Howler monkeys and their territorial call
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Howler Monkey
MOV View Movie
Napo Wildlife Center
Howler Monkey clip
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Howler Monkey
0.350MB MPG View Movie
Honolulu Zoo
Howler Monkey
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