Black Howler Monkey
Alouatta caraya
Conservation Status
VulnerableMammalia · Primates · Atelidae
About
The black howler or black-and-gold howler, is among the largest New World monkeys and a member of the Alouatta genus. The black howler is distributed in areas of South America such as Paraguay, southern Brazil, eastern Bolivia, northern Argentina, and Uruguay. This species is sexually dimorphic, with adult males having entirely black fur and adult females and babies of both sexes having an overall golden colouring; which emphasizes black-and-gold in the name. The IUCN Red List has classed the black howler as Near Threatened as a result of a recent population reduction due to a variety of human-caused factors.
Fun Fact
Black howler monkeys produce one of the loudest calls of any land animal — audible 5 km away — powered by an enlarged hyoid bone in the throat that acts as a resonating chamber.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical forests
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
15-20 years
Threats
- Illegal Logging
- Wildfire