Howling Monkey Facts

Howler monkeys are aptly named as they are among the loudest animals in the world. The vocalizations of some species can be heard from up to three miles away. They are medium-sized primates and are among the biggest monkeys found in the new world. Ten species of howler monkey exist including the black, red, brown and mantled howlers.

  1. Description

    • Howler monkeys are large animals which grow between 45 to 72 inches in length and 15 to 22 lbs. in weight, depending on the species. The males have a specialized chamber in their throats which helps produce the loud calls. Howlers have long, prehensile tails almost the same length as their bodies which they use to help them climb. The animals have long, thick coats, often with a thick beard on the chin, and can vary in color dependent on species. Howlers can be black, brown or red with the red variety being the most common species.

    Habitat and Range

    • Howler monkeys live in the central portion of South America in countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. They live high in the forest canopy preferring the moist rain forest habitats. Most of a howler monkey's life is spent in the trees, and they rarely come down to the ground. They have little reason to do so as they can get all the food and water they need in the upper canopy.

    Diet and Predators

    • Howler monkeys have a specialized digestive system containing bacteria that breaks down cellulose effectively. This allows the animals to survive mostly on the green leaves found in the upper canopy of the forest. This digestive adaptation causes the howler to have a large, rotund stomach. The monkeys also eat fruits and flowers, if available, but can exist on just leaves for long periods. The size and preferred habitat of the howler protects it from most predators, but a few animals have been recorded preying on them. The large harpy eagle specializes in taking monkeys from the trees. The tayra, a large member of the weasel family, can climb trees and will hunt young or weak monkeys.

    Life Cycle

    • Howler monkeys live in family groups of up to 20 individuals called troops. Troops usually have more females than males and no dominant leader, so mating can happen between any available pairing in the group. Males may sometimes fight over a female. After mating, pregnancies last around 190 days with one to two offspring being born. Females in the group sometimes help look after each other's babies.