Howler monkeys (
genus ''Alouatta'',
monotypic in
subfamily
In biological classification, a subfamily (Latin: ', plural ') is an auxiliary (intermediate) taxonomic rank, next below family but more inclusive than genus. Standard nomenclature rules end subfamily botanical names with "-oideae", and zoologi ...
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''). These monkeys are native to
South
South is one of the cardinal directions or Points of the compass, compass points. The direction is the opposite of north and is perpendicular to both east and west.
Etymology
The word ''south'' comes from Old English ''sūþ'', from earlier Pro ...
and
Central American forests. They are famous for their loud
howls, which can travel more than a mile through dense rain forest. Fifteen
species are recognized. Previously classified in the
family Cebidae
The Cebidae are one of the five families of New World monkeys now recognised. Extant members are the capuchin and squirrel monkeys. These species are found throughout tropical and subtropical South and Central America.
Characteristics
Cebid mo ...
, 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, and
capture
Capture may refer to:
*Asteroid capture, a phenomenon in which an asteroid enters a stable orbit around another body
*Capture, a software for lighting design, documentation and visualisation
*"Capture" a song by Simon Townshend
*Capture (band), an ...
for pets or zoo animals.
Classification
* ''A. palliata'' group
**
Coiba Island howler, ''Alouatta coibensis''
*** ''
Alouatta coibensis coibensis''
***