Ursine howler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ursine howler |
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| Ursine howler in Venezuela | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Alouatta
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| Species: |
arctoidea
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| Ursine howler range | |
| Synonyms | |
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Alouatta seniculus arctoidea |
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The ursine howler (Alouatta arctoidea) is a type of howler monkey found in Venezuela and possibly Colombia. These monkeys are known for their very loud calls, which can be heard from far away. Sometimes, scientists consider the ursine howler to be a specific kind of Venezuelan red howler.
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About Ursine Howlers
Ursine howlers are a fascinating type of monkey. They belong to a group called "New World monkeys," which means they live in the Americas. These monkeys spend most of their lives in trees, high up in the forest canopy. They are very good at climbing and moving through the branches.
What They Look Like
Ursine howlers typically have reddish-brown fur, which helps them blend in with the trees. They have strong, muscular bodies and long tails. Their tails are prehensile, meaning they can use them like an extra arm to grip branches. This helps them balance and move safely through the treetops. Adult males are usually larger than females.
Where They Live
These howler monkeys live in the tropical forests of South America. Their main home is in Venezuela. They might also be found in parts of Colombia, though this is less certain. They prefer areas with dense trees, as they rarely come down to the ground. Their habitat includes rainforests and other types of woodlands.
What They Eat
Ursine howlers are mostly herbivores, which means they eat plants. Their diet mainly consists of leaves, especially young, tender ones. They also eat fruits and flowers when they are available. Sometimes, they might eat small amounts of insects. Their digestive system is specially adapted to break down tough plant material.
Their Loud Calls
One of the most amazing things about howler monkeys is their incredibly loud calls. They have a special bone in their throat that helps them make these booming sounds. These calls can travel for several kilometers through the forest. Monkeys use these calls for many reasons. They might be warning other groups to stay away from their territory. They also use them to communicate with their own group members. The calls are often heard at dawn and dusk.
How They Live in Groups
Ursine howlers live in social groups, usually with a mix of males and females. A group can have anywhere from a few monkeys to more than 20. They spend their days foraging for food and resting. Howlers are not as active as some other monkey species. They conserve energy because their diet of leaves is not very high in nutrients. They often take long naps high in the trees.
Are They in Danger?
The ursine howler is currently listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that their population is stable and they are not considered to be at high risk of extinction right now. However, like many forest animals, they can be affected by habitat loss. This happens when forests are cut down for farming or other human activities. Protecting their forest homes is important for their future.
See also
In Spanish: Araguato para niños
