Introduction to Howler Monkey
Howler Monkey, a New World monkey. There are six species. Howler monkeys are the largest of the New World monkeys; they are about three feet (90 cm) long, including the prehensile (grasping) tail. Howler monkeys are black or brown. The throat is greatly enlarged by a bony, drumlike soundbox that produces a howl that can be heard for great distances. Howler monkeys live in small troops in the jungles of Central and South America. They feed chiefly on leaves, fruits, and budding twigs. Due to habitat destruction, the existence of most species is threatened.
Where in the World Do Howler Monkeys Live?Howlers live in a wider range than any other New World monkey—from southern Mexico to southeastern Brazil.
Howlers also live in more types of habitats than any other group of New World monkeys. They live in rain forests, thorny forests, swamp forests, and misty forests, high in the mountains.
Mantled howlers prefer to live in old-growth forests that have very old and very big trees. Red howlers live in old-growth forests, too. But these monkeys also live in forests made of young trees. Brown howlers like mountain forests. Red-handed howlers like forests that flood.
Where Do Howlers Hang Out?Howlers hang out very high up in treetops. They spend most of their time in the middle or at the top of the forest canopy. The canopy is a covering formed by the crowns, or tops, of trees.
Howlers, like some other New World monkeys, have prehensile tails. A howler can use its strong, flexible tail as a fifth hand. The tail is so powerful that a howler can hang by it alone. The underside of the tip has bare skin instead of fur. A howler can use this area to feel things, just as we use the palms of our hands.
Howlers climb and walk around the vines and treetops on all four feet. They move slowly and carefully. Howlers wrap their tails around tree trunks and branches as they go. This helps them keep a safe grip.
Who’s Who in a Howler Troop?Howlers live in groups that usually have 15 to 20 members. The group is called a troop. Each troop normally has several adult males, a larger number of adult females, and young ones of different ages.
Members of the troop keep watch over one another. They warn each other when they spot a predator.
A dominant male, which is usually the largest howler, is the troop leader. He gets a lot of attention and affection. He also has first choice of food and mates. Each troop may also have a female that is dominant over other females in the group.
When young male howlers are fully grown, they usually leave the troop. They may join another troop or start their own. This gives them a chance to become leaders. This also helps keep the first troop peaceful. If a howler troop has too many young males, fights may break out.
Howler Habits
Why Do Howlers Howl?Howlers have many reasons for their loud howls. Often, adult males begin their day by howling. They’re not just clearing their throats, either. Their howls can be heard as far as 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) away. The monkeys announce their location with morning howls to other howlers. These howls also warn other troops to stay away from their territory.
Howlers also roar when they are disturbed or when two groups of howlers meet. Sometimes this leads to a fight. Their booming calls warn the troop when predators are nearby, too.
Howler monkeys have special structures in their throats that help make their calls so loud. These structures are hollow and egg-shaped, and they act like echo chambers. They are even larger in males, so their voices are louder and deeper.
How Do Howlers Keep Clean?Howlers keep clean by lending each other a helping hand. Howlers, like some other New World monkeys, groom each other. They clean each other’s fur by combing it with their fingers. They carefully pick out bits of leaves, bark, ticks, and insect eggs that they find.
Usually females do most of the grooming. They groom mainly relatives and infants. Grooming each other isn’t just good for their looks. Howlers enjoy being groomed. Grooming one another brings howlers closer together, too.
Red, black, and brown howlers spend more time grooming than other howlers.
What Do Howlers Eat?Howlers often eat leaves while hanging from a branch. Leaves make up nearly half of a howler’s diet. Other New World monkeys do not eat so many leaves.
Small, young leaves are the favorites of howlers. These leaves are tender and have many nutrients. Howlers also eat flowers and fruit.
Howlers get most of the water they need by eating juicy leaves. But when these monkeys do drink, they can usually find water way up in the canopy. Water often collects in places such as tree holes. Howlers reach their hands into these puddles and then lick their fingers. If howlers are really thirsty, they will go to the forest floor and drink right from a pond or stream.
Are Howlers Always Sleepy?Howlers are among the least active of all monkeys. They sleep all night and spend about 8 to 10 hours a day resting. Howlers spend the rest of the time finding food and eating. Howlers can find leaves just about anywhere.
How Do Howler Babies Grow Up?A howler mother gives birth to one baby at a time. She raises it on her own. The baby grabs onto its mother’s fur and begins nursing, or drinking its mother’s milk. At first, the baby clings to its mother’s belly with its hands and feet. When it is a month old, it begins to use its tail, too.
At 2 months, a howler baby begins to ride on its mother’s back. While she rests, the baby may drop from her back and go off exploring on its own. But as soon as its mother gets up, the baby rushes back to her. It still clings to her belly at night.
While it is still very young, the howler gets to know the rest of the group. The other howlers begin noticing the baby, too. Adult howlers in the group are usually very gentle with young ones. Adult males even allow babies to climb all over them.
Young howlers like to play. As they grow older, they like to chase one another. They also like to hang by their tails and play fight with each other.
Howler monkeys make up the genus Alouatta of the family Atelidae.