If you ever used the term howl like a monkey, you may not have realized how applicable it is. Howler Monkeys are said to be the loudest monkeys in the world. According to their reputation, the call of a howler monkey can be heard as far as 4 miles even across the dense rainforest. Scientists conservatively estimate 3 miles to be the correct distance. Even that is loud by any standard.

Howler monkeys are native to the rainforests of America, specifically Mexico and Brazil.  Their “howl” is actually more of a roar. The roaring is the way these apes communicate with each other. The loud calls are both used to communicate across long distances, warn off other animals and even used to mark territories. If you are near a howler monkey group, you will wake up to a cacophony of loud roars, as these monkeys start their day by roaring “howdy neighbors” to each other across the rainforest.

Howler Monkeys are considered to be the largest new world monkeys found in the rainforests of America. They can grow up to 2 feet with an additional 2 feet long tail and weigh anywhere between 12 to 20 lbs. These Monkeys are arboreal, meaning they spend their whole lives in canopy layer of the rainforest, making them hard to spot from the ground. Their loud calls are the only way to spot them.

Unlike other monkeys, howler monkeys are not an excitable bunch in general. They move very slowly from branch to branch, holding on with two limbs or at least one limb and the tail at all times. They like to eat as they move slowly through the trees.

Howler Monkeys are mostly vegetarians, and their diet consists of leaves, fruits, and flowers. They are occasionally known to raid bird nests for eggs as well. The male of the species are black in color while the females are brown or blond. The females use their brown fur to camouflage themselves, especially when they are trying to protect their young ones who cling to their mother’s stomach while they adults move and hide.

Howler monkeys live in small groups of around 12 or less. They can live up to 20 years, but average life span is 15 years in the wild now. Female howler monkeys have gestation periods of about six months and the babies stay with their mothers for about a year and half. Several females generally look after Howler Monkey babies at the same time. Even multiple adult males are allowed to look after one baby. However, young howler monkeys are not allowed near babies as they can harm them.

Howlers Monkeys don’t cover much ground in their lifetime. They cover at most 400 meters a day and sleep more than 15 hours. They are the second slowest rainforest animals right after sloths. They tend to settle down in a particular area and if the habitat is destroyed then they find it hard to relocate and survive. Moreover, they are also hunted by local tribes for food or kept as pets. This has made the howler monkeys not just endangered animals but quite close to extinction by now.