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Summary

Howler monkeys (genus Alouatta, monotypic in subfamily Alouattinae) are the most widespread primate genus in the Neotropics and are among the largest of the platyrrhines along with the muriquis (Brachyteles), the spider monkeys (Ateles) and woolly monkeys (Lagotrix). The monkeys are native to South and Central American forests. They are famous for their howls, which can be heard from a distance through dense rain forest. Fifteen species are recognized. Previously classified in the family Cebidae, they are now placed in the family Atelidae. They are primarily folivores but also significant frugivores, acting as seed dispersal agents through their digestive system and their locomotion. Threats include human predation, habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and capture for pets or zoo animals.

Classification

Group Image Scientific name Subspecies Distribution A. palliata group Coiba Island howler, Alouatta coibensis Alouatta coibensis coibensis Azuero howler, Alouatta coibensis trabeata Panama Mantled howler, Alouatta palliata Ecuadorian mantled howler, Alouatta palliata aequatorialis Golden-mantled howler, Alouatta palliata palliata Mexican howler monkey, Alouatta palliata mexicana Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Peru Guatemalan black howler, Alouatta pigra Belize, Guatemala and Mexico A. seniculus group Ursine howler, Alouatta arctoidea Venezuela and possibly Colombia Red-handed howler, Alouatta belzebul Brazil Spix's red-handed howler, Alouatta discolor Brazil Brown howler, Alouatta guariba Northern brown howler, Alouatta guariba guariba Southern brown howler, Alouatta guariba clamitans southeastern Brazil and far northeastern Argentina (Misiones) Juruá red howler, Alouatta juara Peru and Brazil Guyanan red howler, Alouatta macconnelli Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad, French Guiana, Venezuela and Brazil Amazon black howler, Alouatta nigerrima Brazil...