Howler monkey

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION: Howler monkeys belong to the family Cebidae of the order Primates. The red howler is classified as Alouatta seniculus.

HABITAT:They are found in Central and South America

DESCRIPTION: They are called so because of their howl which can be heard from nearly 2 miles away! This is possible as the bone supporting the tongue - the hyoid bone is enlarged and very hollow. The voice box too is in the same fashion . Thus a very loud noise is produced by thses two parts.

They are the largest of the New World Monkeys. They are 56 to 92 cm in body length and weigh about 4 to 10 kg .They have a broad lower jaw, swollen necks and a bearded face. The body is covered with thick black fur but the underside of the last third of the tail is bare and rough for obtaining firm support when the animal swings from limb to limb.

Howlers live on trees and feed mainly on leaves and fruit but also eat insects, seeds, and flower parts.