يومياتHowler Monkey
Michelle Parkes ·
Let's learn some fun facts about HOWL-er monkeys!
They are the loudest animals in the rainforest! From where they live to why they howl, here's everything you need to know.
What is a howler monkey?
Howler monkeys are a group of 15 species that all belong to the same monkey family, found only in Central and South America. They're called "New World monkeys" because they live in the Americas rather than Africa or Asia. Their nickname says it all: howler monkeys are famous for being some of the loudest animals on the planet.
Where do howler monkeys live? (Habitat)
Howler monkeys live high up in the rainforest canopy, the leafy top layer of the forest, stretching from Mexico all the way down to northern Argentina. They spend almost all their time in the trees and rarely climb down to the ground.
Because they don't need to travel far to find food, howler monkey troops (that's the name for their family groups) usually stick to a small patch of forest, often no bigger than a large park. A troop is usually made up of 15 to 20 monkeys, led by an older male.
What do howler monkeys eat? (Diet)
Howler monkeys mostly eat leaves, which is why scientists call them folivores (leaf-eaters). They also snack on fruit and flowers when they can find them.
Eating so many leaves means howler monkeys get almost all the water they need straight from their food, so they don't have to travel to find water either. It also means they move slowly and calmly through the trees, since leaves don't give them much energy compared to fruit.
Why are howler monkeys so loud? (The howl)
This is the big question, and the answer is all down to one special bone!
Howler monkeys have an extra-large hyoid bone in their throat, a bit like a built-in amplifier. It turns their calls into a deep, booming roar that can measure up to 140 decibels, almost as loud as a rock concert.
That roar can travel for 3 to 5 kilometres (about 2 to 3 miles) through the forest. Howler monkeys howl mostly at dawn and dusk, and sometimes during rainstorms, to tell neighbouring troops "this patch of forest is ours!" It's a clever trick: by howling instead of fighting, howler monkeys can defend their territory without ever coming face to face with a rival troop.
How big are howler monkeys, and how long do they live? (Size and lifespan)
Howler monkeys are among the biggest monkeys in the Americas. Adults can grow to around 90 centimetres long from head to tail-tip, and males can weigh as much as 9 kilograms, about the same as a medium-sized dog!
In the wild, howler monkeys usually live for 15 to 20 years.
More amazing howler monkey facts
- A tall tale: A howler monkey's tail can act like a fifth hand. It's strong enough to hold their entire body weight, letting them swing from tree to tree, and it can be almost as long as their whole body.
- The smell of success: Howler monkeys have an excellent sense of smell and can sniff out ripe fruit from up to 2 kilometres away.
- Endangered species: Sadly, some of the 15 howler monkey species are endangered, mainly because of habitat loss and hunting. Protecting rainforests is one of the best ways to help them.
Now you know why the howler monkey has earned its name! Next time you're deep in a rainforest at sunrise, listen closely, you might just hear one roaring from the treetops.
Howler Monkey FAQs!
Are howler monkeys the loudest animal in the world?
Howler monkeys are the loudest land animals and one of the loudest animals on Earth. Their deep roar can be heard up to 5 kilometres away through the rainforest. Only a few sea creatures, like blue whales and sperm whales, make louder sounds.
Are howler monkeys dangerous to humans?
No, howler monkeys are not dangerous to people. They are gentle, slow-moving leaf-eaters that spend almost all their time high in the trees. Their howl may sound scary, but it is just their way of telling other troops to stay away from their patch of forest.
What colour are howler monkeys?
It depends on the species. Howler monkeys can be black, brown, red or golden. In some species, males and females are different colours. Black howler monkeys, for example, have black males and golden-brown females.
What animals eat howler monkeys?
Howler monkeys don't have many predators because they live so high in the canopy. Their main threats in the wild are harpy eagles, which snatch them from the treetops, and big cats like jaguars. Today, the biggest danger to howler monkeys comes from humans cutting down rainforests.
Why do howler monkeys sleep so much?
Howler monkeys rest for most of the day, sometimes up to 15 hours. Leaves don't give them much energy, so they save it by moving slowly and resting often. This lazy lifestyle helps them survive on a diet that other animals would find hard to live on.
Are howler monkeys endangered?
Some of the 15 howler monkey species are endangered, mainly because of habitat loss and hunting. When rainforests are cut down, howler monkeys lose their homes and food. Protecting rainforests is one of the best ways to help them survive.
How can kids help howler monkeys?
Kids can help by learning about rainforests and sharing what they know, choosing products with sustainable palm oil, using recycled paper, and supporting wildlife charities. Every small action that protects rainforests helps howler monkeys and the thousands of other animals that live there.
