Costa Rica Species
Alouatta palliata
AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN VUInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction if the current adverse conditions continue.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Alouatta palliata

Mantled howler monkey

(Gray, 1849)

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Large primate with black fur and yellowish side fringes.

Added by

Gerardo Venegas

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Alberto Zuluaga

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

Mono aulladorGolden-mantled howlerAullador de la costaHurleur à manteau

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Primates
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Atelidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Alouatta
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Gray, 1849)
Record Completeness
97%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Decreasing

Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Year Round

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

Herbivore

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Inhabits lowland rainforests, deciduous forests, and mangroves..

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

Famous for its powerful vocalizations that can be heard for miles.

Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang

Stable social groups of 10 to 20 individuals with linear hierarchy.

Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang

Folivore; feeds mainly on young leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang

Contributes to the forest nutrient cycle through defecation.

Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang

Gestation lasts 6 months; the mother carries the infant on her back.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

48.0 - 65.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

4.50 kg - 9.80 kg

Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes

Lifespan

Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.

36 - 48 Months

Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).

180 - 190

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 - 20 Years
Females15 - 20 Years

Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.

Males Multi-lang

Males have a highly developed hyoid bone for howling and a prominent beard.

Females Multi-lang

Females are smaller and lack the prominent beard of the male.

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Its throat is large to act as a resonance chamber.
Prehensile tail with a hairless tactile pad at the tip for a firm grip.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Loss of connectivity between forest patches and roadkills.
Electrocution on poorly insulated power lines when trying to cross roads.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

It is one of the loudest land animals in the world.
They spend up to 80% of the day resting to digest the cellulose in leaves.

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.