Howler monkey | |
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Brown howler | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Primates |
Family: | Atelidae |
Subfamily: |
Alouattinae Trouessart, 1897 (1825) |
Genus: |
Alouatta Lacepede, 1799 |
Type species | |
Simia belzebul Linnaeus, 1766 |
|
Species | |
Alouatta arctoidea |
|
Howler monkeys distribution | |
Synonyms | |
Mycetes Illiger, 1811 |
Alouatta arctoidea
Alouatta belzebul
Alouatta caraya
Alouatta coibensis
Alouatta discolor
Alouatta guariba
Alouatta juara
Alouatta macconnelli
Alouatta nigerrima
Alouatta palliata
Alouatta pigra
Alouatta puruensis
Alouatta sara
Alouatta seniculus
Alouatta ululata
Mycetes Illiger, 1811
Stentor É. Geoffroy, 1812
Howler monkeys (genus Alouatta monotypic in subfamily Alouattinae) are among the largest of the New World monkeys and one of only a few nest-building monkeys. Fifteen species are currently recognised. Previously classified in the family Cebidae, they are now placed in the family Atelidae. These monkeys are native to South and Central American forests. Threats to howler monkeys include human predation, habitat destruction and being captured for captivity as pets or zoo animals. These monkeys are famous for their loud howls, which can travel three miles through dense rainforest.