Look-out

Yucatán Black Howler Monkey are primates that live in the rainforests of Central and South America. They are known for their loud vocalizations, which can be heard several kilometers away. These howls have several functions, including alerting other members of the group about possible threats or intruders. Saraguato monkeys are, therefore, important lookouts that protect their community from predators and other rival groups.

The saraguatos monkeys are organized in groups that can have between 2 and 16 individuals, although the most common is between 4 and 8. Each group has a territory that it defends from the incursions of other groups, and that it marks with its howls. Howling also serves to communicate the location and mood of the monkeys, as well as to reinforce social bonds between them. Saraguato monkeys usually howl at dawn and dusk, when they move through the tree canopy in search of food or a place to sleep.

Saraguato monkeys feed mainly on leaves, fruits and flowers, which are found in the treetops. They are arboreal animals, which rarely come down to the ground. Their prehensile tail helps them maintain balance and cling to branches. Their fur is black or dark brown, which allows them to camouflage themselves among the vegetation. Males are larger and heavier than females, and have an enlarged hyoid bone that allows them to emit more powerful howls.

The saraguatos monkeys reproduce throughout the year, although there are peaks in birth at some times. The gestation period lasts about 140 days, and females give birth to a single calf per birth. The calf depends on its mother during the first months of life, and clings to her belly or her back when she moves. The males also participate in caring for the young, playing with them or grooming them.

Saraguato monkeys are emblematic animals of tropical rainforests, and they contribute to the conservation of these ecosystems by dispersing the seeds of the plants they consume. However, it also faces various threats, such as the loss and fragmentation of its habitat due to deforestation, illegal hunting and pet trafficking. It is estimated that its population has decreased by 30% in the last 30 years. Therefore, it is important to protect these lookout monkeys, which are an essential part of the biodiversity and culture of Latin America.

Yucatán Black Howler Monkey - Allouata pigra, Chiapas, Mexico.

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