One of the loudest and most colorful primates of South America’s forests. Found mainly in Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, parts of Brazil, and Venezuela, this striking monkey is covered in thick, bright red-orange fur that glows like fire in the canopy. Its large size, bushy tail, and shaggy coat make it one of the most recognizable howler monkeys. But what really sets it apart is its voice—these monkeys are the “opera singers” of the rainforest, famous for producing deep, roaring calls that can be heard from up to 5 kilometers (3 miles) away.

The Guyanan red howler’s howl comes from a special adaptation in its throat: an enlarged hyoid bone that acts like a resonating chamber. Males, in particular, use this built-in amplifier to defend territories and call to neighboring groups, creating a rolling chorus across the forest at dawn and dusk. Unlike many primates that rely heavily on visual displays, red howlers live in dense rainforests where sound carries further than sight, making their booming calls the perfect survival tool. This sets them apart from their quieter monkey relatives, who usually communicate with softer chirps, barks, or whistles.

Socially, Guyanan red howlers live in small, stable groups, usually made up of one or two adult males, several females, and their young. Their days are surprisingly laid-back compared to agile monkeys like spider monkeys or capuchins. Red howlers spend much of their time resting, grooming, and feeding on a diet of leaves, fruits, and flowers. Their large stomachs act like fermentation tanks, breaking down tough plant material that many other primates can’t digest. While they may not be the acrobats of the canopy, they are excellent climbers and rely on their prehensile tails as an extra hand to grasp branches while moving or feeding.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Brazil

2021

Amapá, Amazonas, Pará, Roraima

French Guiana

2021

Guyana

2021

Suriname

2021

Venezuela

2021