Monday, January 10, 2011

Brown Howler Monkey



 The brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba) which is also called the brown howler, is a species of New World Monkey found in South America.  Their are two subspecies.  The brown howler monkey is rated as 'vulnerable' by the IUCN.


Physical Features
The brown howler monkey is a relatively small monkey with a swollen throat.  They have a reddish brown coat and their underside is pale.  Only males have a swollen throat.  They measure about 58 cm (23 inches) with a tail length of 66 cm (26 inches).  Males are generally larger than females.  Brown howler monkeys weigh about 7 kilograms.  They use their long tail to balance their body while jumping from one branch to the other.


Diet
The brown howler monkey is a herbivore, mainly eating fruits and leaves.


Behavior
The brown howler monkey is tree dwelling and is active during daylight hours.  They live in small groups which number from 2 to11.  Brown howler monkeys make loud noises which can be heard for over a mile away.  Males make louder noises tan females.  They are one of the most noisiest animals.


Life Cycle                                                                        
Female with her young.
A female brown howler gives birth to a sing young each year after a gestation period of 189 days.  The young one is weaned at about 10 to 12 months.  Females mature at the age of 3 or 4 years while males take a longer time.  They will live for 20 years in captivity and will live for 15 years in the wild.


Distribution and Habitat
The brown howler monkey is found in South America.  It is endemic to the country of Brazil.  It is found in the southeastern part of Brazil.  It inhabits tropical rainforests and coastal forests.


Population
The brown howler monkey is rated as vulnerable by the IUCN.  The brown howler monkey has a population of about 10,000.  The northern brown howler monkey subspecies is critically endangered with a population fewer than 250.


Source of picture 1:http://dynamic2moms.webs.com/rainforestanimals.htm
Source of picture 2: http://blog.luciolepress.com/2009/02/23/photo--onemonthold-baby-black-howler-monkey-and-his-mother-agra-looks-out-from-a-tree-in-the-singapore-zoo.aspx

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