Animals from Latin America: Howling Monkey

Howler monkeys have beards and long, thick hair which may be black, brown, or red. The red howler species is the most common, but it is often targeted by hunters eager for bushmeat. Other species of howler monkey may be critically endangered over sections of their ranges.

Howlers are New World monkeys found in tropical Central and South America. They are aptly named for their cacophonous cries. When a number of howlers let loose their lungs in concert, often at dawn or dusk, the din can be heard up to three miles (five kilometers) away. Male monkeys have large throats and specialized, shell-like vocal chambers that help to turn up the volume on their distinctive call. The noise sends a clear message to other monkeys: This territory is already occupied by a troop.

From National Geographic:

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/howler-monkey/

Photo by Joel Sarfone

Howlers are New World monkeys found in tropical Central and South America. They are aptly named for their cacophonous cries. When a number of howlers let loose their lungs in concert, often at dawn or dusk, the din can be heard up to three miles (five kilometers) away. Male monkeys have large throats and specialized, shell-like vocal chambers that help to turn up the volume on their distinctive call. The noise sends a clear message to other monkeys: This territory is already occupied by a troop.

National Geographic Website: 

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/howler-monkey/

Type: Mammal

Diet: Omnivore

Average life span in the wild:15 to 20 years

Size:Head and body, 22 to 36 in (55.8 to 91.4 cm); Tail, 23 to 36 in (58.4 to 91.4 cm)

Weight:15 to 22 lbs (7 to 10 kg)Group name:TroopSize relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man: