The Yucatán black howler monkey, aka Guatemalan black howler, is a species of howler monkey that hails from Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, and near the Yucatán Peninsula. They prefer evergreen, semideciduous, and lowland rain forest habitats. Unfortunately, these primates are threatened by habitat loss and destruction at the hands of residential and commercial developments, farming, ranching, and logging; hunting, for bush meat; trapping; and climate change, that can cause habitat altering droughts, storms, and flooding. The IUCN lists these critters as Endangered, and their populations are decreasing.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Alouatta pigra
Weight: Up to 25 lbs.
Length: Up to 25+ inches
Lifespan: Up to 20 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) These primates are also known as the baboon in Belize. However, they are not closely related to the African baboon.
2.) The Yucatán black howlers are the largest of the howler monkeys and 1 of the largest New World (those from the Americas) monkeys.
3.) Being arboreal (spend their lives in trees), these monkeys come equipped with a prehensile tail. A prehensile tail is used as an additional appendage to help grab hold of branches and other items to help navigate the trees.
4.) They howl primarily during dawn and dusk.
5.) These critters are diurnal (active during the day).
But wait, there’s more on the Yucatán black howler monkey!
6.) They live in small troops consisting of up to 2 adult males and up to 2 females per male, plus their offspring. Troops of up to 16 have been observed.
7.) Up to 250 individuals can dwell in up to a .62 square mile radius.
Did you know…?
The Yucatán black howler monkey’s calls can be heard up to 3.11 miles away!
8.) Leaves, fruit, and flowers make up the bulk of their diet, with breadnut trees making up to 86% of their food source.
9.) As with other howler monkeys, the bulk of their day is spent resting. Eating makes up about 25% of the day, moving around takes up to 10% of the day, and the remainder of the day is spent socializing; among other activities.
10.) Females undergo up to a 186 day gestation (pregnancy) that yields a single infant.
Now a Short Yucatán Black Howler Monkey Video!
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
Photo credit: María Eugenia Mendiola González
