Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Atelidae
- Genus
- Alouatta
Habitat
This species is endemic to Coiba Island off the coast of Panama, inhabiting tropical rainforests and mangrove areas. They prefer dense, mature forests with high canopies for movement and feeding, and are adapted to the island's isolated environment with limited freshwater sources.
Diet
Coiba Island howlers primarily eat leaves, fruits, and flowers, with a focus on nutrient-rich foliage to sustain their energy. They are folivorous and spend much of the day foraging in the treetops, typically feeding during daylight hours to avoid nocturnal predators.
Behavior
They live in social troops of 5-15 individuals, usually led by a dominant male, and communicate through loud howls that can travel up to 5 km to establish territory. Coiba Island howlers are arboreal and diurnal, spending most of their time in trees, and exhibit grooming behaviors to maintain social bonds. They are generally sedentary but will defend their home range aggressively against intruders.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Endangered, with population trends declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and potential hunting pressures. Major threats include invasive species and human activities on Coiba Island.