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Mantled Howler

About the Mantled Howler

The mantled howler (Alouatta palliata), also known as the golden-mantled howling monkey, is a species of howler monkey native to Central and South America. It is known for its distinctive loud howling calls, which can be heard from several kilometres away, and its key role in maintaining tropical ecosystems.

They have a black body with a golden or yellowish mantle of long guard hairs along the sides of their body. The "mantle" gives them their name.

Mantled howlers use a prehensile tail like a fifth limb to grasp branches, aiding in their arboreal lifestyle. The underside of the tail is hairless to improve grip.

They are primarily folivores, meaning they eat leaves. About 50-75% of their diet consists of young, tender leaves, which provide them with the necessary nutrients. They supplement their diet with fruits, flowers, and other plant matter.

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Commonality of Mantled Howlers

The mantled howler is one of the most common species of howler monkeys in Central and South America. Its adaptability to various environments, particularly in secondary and disturbed forests, contributes to its widespread presence in tropical regions.

Protection & Threats

Mantled howlers are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, meaning they are not currently at immediate risk of extinction. However, they face significant threats from habitat loss due to deforestation, agriculture, and urban expansion.

While they are legally protected in many areas, enforcement of these protections can be weak in some regions.

Climate Change

Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns could also result in shifts in vegetation. Some tree species that howlers depend on may decline or disappear from their current range, leading to a mismatch between the monkeys' food preferences and available resources.