Black-gold howler monkey

Black-gold howler monkey

Scientific name: Alouatta caraya
Distribution: Endangered
Jerusalem zoo: Male, female, with young
The natural habitat of the Black howler monkeys is in the rainforests of central South America, generally the forested areas in southern Brazil, Paraguay and Northern Argentina. Much of their habitat is in danger due to destruction of forest by man. They require forests with diverse species of plant life to supply their dietary needs and feed on leaves, fruit, flowers and buds. They rarely come down from the trees only in dry times they will come down to drink water in lakes.
The male is much bigger than the female and their color is different. The male has black hair, which gives the species its name. Female monkeys are golden- brown colored. Both sexes are born yellowish until the male turns black at around 2.5 years of age. The howler monkeys have strong and long tails. These tails are hairless on the underside and are sensitive and act as a 5th hand. The social structure is variable, usually one male or small multi male - multi female groups. Most howler monkeys live in family groups of 5 to 8 but groups up to 19 individuals have been observed. In the female dominance hierarchy, younger adults rank higher than older ones. Males and females take care of their own infants but also help with other infants of the group. Young males are not allowed to take care of infants since they often mistreat and even kill them. All members of the group howl each morning to notify neighboring groups of their position and maintain distance from one another.
An enlarged hyoid bone in their throat enhances their territorial calls. Tongue flicking is a ritualized display of sexual solicitation.