Black Howler Monkey

Marked sexual dimorphism: adult males are entirely black, while females and juveniles have golden-yellow fur. They live in family groups in the crowns of the tallest trees, and their synchronized roar at dawn, used to mark territory, is one of the most awe-inspiring sounds of Iberá. Vulnerable nationally, highly sensitive to the loss of native forest and to yellow fever outbreaks. Body length: 50 to 65 cm plus a prehensile tail of another 60 cm. Weight: males 5 to 8 kg, females 4 to 6 kg.

Behaviour

Strictly arboreal and diurnal; rarely comes down to the ground. Prehensile tail with a bare, rough patch of skin at the tip that works as a fifth limb. Slow metabolism: a folivorous and frugivorous diet of tender leaves, shoots, flowers and the fruit of higuerón, laurel and ambay. Alternates feeding bouts with long naps in the high branches.

How and when to see it

All day. Easily located by paying attention to its powerful howls at dawn and dusk, which carry for more than 1.5 km.

Where to see it in the Iberá

The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where black howler monkey has confirmed presence:

Tours to see it

Verified providers operating at the gateways where black howler monkey lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.

• Esteros Ñe’é
  Experiencias con relato local y mirada cultural sobre los esteros.★ 5
• Salvaje Iberá
  Senderismo, cicloturismo, safari fotográfico, avistaje de fauna, paseos largos en el día…★ 5
• Reserva Natural Estero Alma
  Reserva natural privada en Loreto. Senderos interpretativos, safari fotográfico…★ 5
• Gaucho Argentino
  Travesías a caballo por una red de refugios en el Iberá. Cabalgatas de varios días con…★ 5

Species profile

• Common nameBlack Howler Monkey
• Scientific nameAlouatta caraya
• GroupMammal
• StatusNative

Other species of the Iberá

• 🐆 Ocelot
• 🐜 Giant Anteater
• 🐆 Jaguar
• 🦦 Coypu
• 🐻 Southern Tamandua
• 🐱 Puma
• 🦦 Neotropical Otter
• 🦊 Maned Wolf