Peruvian night monkey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peruvian night monkey |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Aotus
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| Species: |
miconax
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| Peruvian night monkey range | |
The Peruvian night monkey (Aotus miconax) is also known as the Andean night monkey. This special monkey lives only in northern Peru. It is a nocturnal animal, which means it is active at night.
Adult Peruvian night monkeys weigh about 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds). They can grow up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) long. Their fur is grey to light brown. They have clear black and white markings on their faces. Their chest, belly, and upper arms have an orange tint.
This monkey is one of the least known and possibly rarest monkeys in the Neotropics (a region in the Americas). It is listed as a vulnerable animal by the IUCN. This means it faces a high risk of becoming endangered in the wild. It is also considered endangered under Peruvian law.
The Peruvian night monkey is not studied very much. Most of what we know comes from museum samples and a few sightings. We also have some basic information about where they live. These monkeys are thought to live in cloud forests. These forests are high up, between 900 and 2,800 meters (2,950 to 9,200 feet) above sea level. They are found in the Peruvian regions of Amazonas, Huanuco, and San Martin.
Contents
Monkey Life: Behavior and Diet
Peruvian night monkeys are monogamous. This means they have only one mate for life. They live in small family groups. These groups usually have 2 to 6 monkeys. This is similar to other types of Aotus monkeys.
We do not have much information about what these monkeys eat. However, we know they mainly eat fruit. They also munch on leaf buds and insects. These monkeys have been seen in both old, untouched forests and newer forests. They can live in large forest areas or small patches of trees.
Protecting the Peruvian Night Monkey
The biggest danger to the Peruvian night monkey is the growing number of people. As human populations grow, their homes are destroyed. This happens when forests are cut down for farms or towns.
Hunting is a smaller problem for these monkeys. But they are still hunted for the pet trade. Some people also hunt them for trophies.
The group Neotropical Primate Conservation is working to help these monkeys. They are doing a study in La Esperanza, Amazonas. This project is funded by Primate Conservation Inc. They hope to create a network of community-run nature reserves. These reserves will help protect the Peruvian night monkey. They will also protect the yellow-tailed woolly monkey, which is critically endangered and lives in the same areas.
Images for kids
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Learn more about the Peruvian night monkey!
See also
- In Spanish: Mico nocturno peruano para niños
