Nat Geo: Howler Monkeys of Central America

By Laura • September 24, 2009

The highly vocal howler monkey is the largest of the New World monkeys. Photograph by Joel Sartore The first time I heard the eerie bark of a howler monkey was during my outdoor getaway to the Refugio de Cuero y Salado in Honduras (see Murky Mangroves). The sound of these mammals is extremely deceiving. I heard the animal before I ever saw and I thought it must be giant, like a gorilla. But, finally, I glimpsed the small, treetop monkey in the mangrove canopy and laughed. Such a big bark for such a little terror!

National Geographic is currently featuring howler monkeys on its website:

Howlers are New World monkeys found in tropical Central and South America. They are aptly named for their cacophonous cries. When a number of howlers let loose their lungs in concert, often at dawn or dusk, the din can be heard up to three miles (five kilometers) away…

Click here to view the entire article and learn more about a species that’s endemic to where I live!

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Categories: Latin America, alive, wildlife
Tags: animal, cacophonous, central america, Cuero y Salado, Honduras, howler monkey, monkey, Nat Geo, National Geographic, South America, wildlife

About the author

Laura

I have traveling fever and see no relief from the infectious, but welcome disease anytime in the near future. Symptoms are getting worse. Flights are being purchased at random that are taking me further and further away from "home" for longer and longer periods of time. I really can't imagine life NOT on the road anymore. I will explore all 193+ countries. Yes, I am a "professional blogger." I'm also a photog enthusiast. What you see is what you get... and that's nothing short of wonderful.

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