Vocalizations:
* Hoots, barks, and growls: These are used for various purposes like alarm calls, territorial defense, and communication between group members.
* Chirps, whistles, and clicks: These are often used for social interactions and maintaining contact within the group.
* Screams and wails: Used to express distress or alarm.
Visual cues:
* Facial expressions: They have a range of facial expressions that communicate their emotions, including lip smacking, teeth baring, and eyebrow raising.
* Body postures: Their body postures, such as hair erection and tail movements, also convey information about their mood and intentions.
Olfactory cues:
* Scent marking: Woolly monkeys use urine and fecal matter to mark their territories and attract mates.
Tactile communication:
* Grooming: This is a very important social interaction that strengthens bonds within the group.
* Physical contact: They use physical contact, such as hugging and touching, to show affection and maintain social cohesion.
Unique characteristics:
* Duetting: Woolly monkeys are known for their "duets," where pairs of individuals vocalize in synchrony, likely for pair bonding and territorial defense.
Specific examples:
* Alarm calls: Woolly monkeys have distinct alarm calls for different types of predators, allowing other group members to react appropriately.
* Contact calls: They use specific calls to maintain contact with other group members when they are separated by foliage.
It's important to note that the specific vocalizations and behaviors used by woolly monkeys can vary between different populations and even within the same group. Further research is needed to fully understand the nuances of their complex communication system.