The Howler is the largest New World monkey (monkeys from South, North, and Central America). These social primates live high in the trees (the canopy) of the rain forests of southern Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Howlers have a life span of about 20 years. These monkeys are in decline due to a loss of habitat.

Anatomy: Adult male Howlers are black to brown; females and the young are lighter in color. Howlers grow to be about 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 m) tall and weigh from 8 to 22 pounds (3.5 to 10 kg). They have a long tail, a short snout, and wide-set, round nostrils. Adults females usually have one baby at a time.

Diet: Howlers eat mostly leaves, but occasionally supplement their diet with fruit and maggots.

Predators: Large birds of prey (like the harpy eagle) prey upon the howler monkey.