Adorning the upper back of these nocturnal creatures is a dark grey coat that transitions to black agouti pelage on their forearms, a characteristic that lends them a unique appearance among their arboreal companions. The lower back, outer rear legs, and tail boast an orange-tan coat, creating a vivid contrast that enhances their visibility in the moonlit forest canopies. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Black-headed Night Monkey is the presence of three conspicuous black stripes on their forehead, a trait that not only gives them their common name but also adds to their mystique.

As nocturnal beings, Black-headed Night Monkeys are predominantly active under the cover of darkness, although they may occasionally venture out during the day for brief periods. Their daily routine involves leaving their sleeping sites approximately 15 minutes after sunset to embark on their nocturnal forays. The forest comes alive with their activities as they navigate through the trees with agility, foraging for food until they return to their havens just before the break of dawn.

Predominantly frugivorous, these monkeys have a particular fondness for figs, which constitute a significant portion of their diet. However, their dietary repertoire is not limited to figs alone; it includes a variety of fruits, leaves, and occasionally insects, reflecting their adaptable feeding habits. This varied diet plays a crucial role in the dispersal of seeds throughout the forest, contributing to the regeneration of plant life and the perpetuation of biodiversity within their ecosystem.

Despite their adaptability and ecological significance, Black-headed Night Monkeys face threats from habitat destruction and fragmentation, as well as from hunting and the illegal pet trade.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Bolivia

2015

Brazil

2015

Peru

2015