Howler Monkeys in Costa Rica

The howler monkey’s booming call is a classic sound of Costa Rica’s rainforests. Visitors often see them in national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Corcovado.

Let's explore the lush landscapes of Costa Rica to discover the secrets of mantled howler monkeys, the predominant howler species in the country. Scientifically named Alouatta palliata, these monkeys are originary to the continent and are commonly found in South America and, particularly, in the wilds of Central America. In Costa Rica, they’re also called “congo monkeys.” The "mantled" in their name is derived from the long hairs on their sides. These cute monkeys can often be observed swinging through the trees in cloud forests, rainforests, and tropical dry forests.

Mantled howler monkeys are easy to spot with their special all-black fur and famous howls. Adult males weigh between 11 and 22 lbs. They have an average body length of 20 to 27 inches, while the females, which are a bit smaller, usually measure between 18 to 25 inches. Notably, their impressive tails stretch from 21 to 26 inches, longer than their head-to-body length. This unique feature makes them incredibly agile and skilled at moving through trees. They're one of Costa Rica's most iconic nature sights.

In the world of mantled howler monkeys, social structure is key. They form groups of 10-20 individuals, led by a dominant male. The rest of the troop is usually composed of females, their young, and sometimes elderly and young males. Female howlers exhibit a unique “auntie behavior,” and often try to take care of other females’ offspring. Once the baby howlers reach maturity, they are usually expelled from the core group, which is why most adults in any given troop are not directly related to each other.

These agile acrobats move through the tree canopy with grace, using all four limbs to walk and climb. Communication is essential for the group dynamic as they move through the forest. They use a range of calls such as barks, grunts, and woofs, including the unmistakable and world-famous howling calls at dawn and dusk.

Howler monkeys have the most varied diet among Costa Rican monkeys. Eating from so many different plant species has allowed them to adapt to all kinds of habitats, and this is why they are found all across the country.

In Costa Rica's treetops, mantled howler monkeys eat leaves, fruits, and flowers. They use their prehensile tails to hold onto branches while munching. These monkeys help the forest by preferring fresh leaves, aiding tree growth. In daylight, they search for snacks as a troop, creating strong bonds and adding to Costa Rica's lively landscapes. Taking care of their diet is essential for keeping the balance in these diverse ecosystems, which benefits from their constant trimming.

When it comes to relationships, mantled howlers are polygynous, meaning one male mates with multiple females. There's no specific breeding season, but most births occur in late December and January. The gestation period is six months, resulting in a single infant. The mother carries the baby, and as it grows, it clings to her back, often grasping the base of her tail. At 10-11 weeks, the young ones start foraging independently, gradually becoming self-sufficient.

Challenges persist for mantled howler monkeys, impacting their population over the last 15 years in Costa Rica. The decline, reaching 50%, is primarily linked to construction development clearing their forest pathways. Additionally, the monkeys encounter the risk of electrocution on uninsulated power lines when forced to use them as an alternative to their altered travel routes.

While human settlements are ever-expandinging problem, howler monkeys in Costa Rica also deal with other animals that can harm them. This includes powerful creatures like jaguars, jaguarundis, coyotes, snakes, and even crocodiles, making survival in the wild even more challenging for them.

Despite these challenges, spotting howler monkeys in Costa Rica is a breeze, as they are scattered all across the country. You can catch these cute creatures in the Osa Peninsula, Manuel Antonio National Park, Guanacaste, Nicoya Peninsula, Monteverde, Arenal, Sarapiqui, and the Caribbean coast. Pretty much everywhere!

Love beach vibes? Make sure to visit Tamarindo, Potrero, Conchal, and Hermosa to catch howler monkeys enjoying some time by the sea.

• Howler monkeys live for 15-20 years in the wild.
• They get most of their water from the food they eat rather than drinking.
• Howler monkeys usually stay in the treetops but may come down to the ground during very dry weather conditions.
• Known as the rockstars of the jungle, these monkeys can produce howling calls that can be heard up to three miles away, particularly during dawn and dusk.
• Among New World primates, howler monkeys stand out as the giants of the monkey kingdom.