Howler monkey: description of primates and the meaning of their cries

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:44

The largest monkeys found in America are howler monkeys. In addition, these are the loudest representatives of primates. It is from their sharp cry that they get their name.

Howler monkey: description and features

In the chain-tailed monkey family, howler monkeys are the largest. They grow up to an average of 70 cm. Their tails are almost the same length as the body. Adult monkeys can weigh up to eight kilograms. Howler monkeys are covered with long hair, which can have different color options. Also, these primates have very developed throat pouches.

The howler monkey is distinguished by powerful fangs, as well as a slightly protruding jaw. This feature gives the primate an awesome look. The face of the monkey has no hair, but it does have a beard. Each paw of the animal is endowed with five tenacious fingers with flat nails.

Scientists describe five species of howler monkeys, of which two are the most common: the red howler and the Central American.

Monkey tail

Photo of howler monkeys shows how powerful their tails are. This is a very important organ in the life of these animals. For them, the tail is an extra arm,which the monkeys are free to pluck the fruits and leaves. Also, with its help, they stroke their cubs or gently touch their relatives. But besides this, the tail of the howler is so powerful that it can easily support the weight of the monkey when it decides to hang upside down on a branch.

It can be noted that this part of the body has an unusual appearance. Below at the base of the tail, on the inside, there is an area where there is no hair. Instead, there are patterns and small ridges on the skin here.

Life of primates

The howler monkey inhabits humid forests located in the mountainous region of Central and Latin America. Individuals live in separate families, in which there are about 15 - 40 primates. In such communities, there may be one male and a harem of females. But more often it is a family with several males of different ages, as well as females.

You can notice them on trees where there are buds, juicy foliage, seeds, flowers, because this is what is included in their main diet. The main occupations of these monkeys are roaring and feeding. When night falls, primates go to sleep, although some individuals are able to scream even in their sleep.

Daytime "concerts"

Day after day, with the sunrise, the whole herd of monkeys rises to the crowns of huge trees, where the “concert” will take place. Before starting the main occupation, primates settle comfortably on branches without making sounds. The strongest of all they try to hold on to a strong branch with their tail. As soon as everyone is seated comfortably, a signal is given, and the soloists, huge males,begin to roar.

Such a cry of a howler monkey resembles a competition, when each male inflates his throat with all his might and yells with all his might. At the same time, they seriously and carefully look at their relatives. But after some time, the voices of "ordinary" monkeys are added to this cry, forming a loud choir. This roar becomes audible for miles. But such a concert does not last long. After five minutes, reaching the highest point, the roar stops. Now the primates can grab a breakfast to fuel their next song.

For dinner, the family goes to the forest for food. The photo of monkeys available in our article depicts such a herd. Having gained strength, in the late afternoon, the family starts their concert again, deafening the surroundings. But it is worth noting that males can scream all day long.

Why so loud and for what?

This question has long been asked by travelers who have heard the howler monkey roar. Over time, having studied the structure of this primate, scientists found that the laryngeal sacs of the animal, like resonators, are capable of amplifying the sound that the mammal makes several times.

But howlers stage their concerts not just like that, but with several goals. The first - so they strive to become more attractive in the eyes of females. The second is to show potential enemies and competitors that this territory belongs to them. Thus, this singing is meant to guard the lands of their family. But, despite this, inter-tribal battles occurregularly. The fact is that there is serious competition between males because of females. So, when a female is ready to mate, and no one in her family answers the call, she gives sounds to another male.

Offspring

The howler monkey bears a cub for about 190 days. As soon as the baby is born, he grabs his mother by the wool. So the baby will sit behind the nurse for a long time. Often, a young monkey accompanies its mother up to 24 months. But as soon as the young male becomes sexually mature, he is expelled from the family. This young man is obliged to penetrate into another herd, and if he is confident in himself, then he kills the leader and his heirs. Sometimes females leave the parental family, going in search of a new group.