Southern Black Howler Monkey
Scientific Name
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Order
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Estimated Wild Population
More Information
Physical Description
Southern black howler monkeys are some of the only primates that vary in color from male to female—a trait called sexual dimorphism, which is a broad term that includes differences in size, behavior, and other characteristics between males and females of the same species. Males are black while females are blonde. These primates use their specialized molars to process leafy diets.
Interesting Fact 1
Southern black howler monkeys mark their territory with dung piles and scent markings on branches.
Interesting Fact 2
These primates have a strong prehensile tail, enabling them to hang from branches, and a sensitive, hairless underside that allows them to identify texture.
Interesting Fact 3
Howler monkeys were named for their territorial roar—a troop howling together can be heard three miles away.
Species Survival Plan®
We cooperate with other members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage the zoo population of this species through a Species Survival Plan®.
Commitment to Care
Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. Guided by scientific research, staff and volunteers work to provide the best welfare outcomes for each individual in the zoo’s care.
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Animals Depend On People Too
When you ADOPT an animal, you support world-class animal care by helping to provide specially formulated diets, new habitat elements, and regular veterinary checkups.
Wish List
The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for the zoo’s animals, including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.
Take Action With Us
Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.
