Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Aotidae
- Genus
- Aotus
Habitat
Gray-handed night monkeys inhabit tropical rainforests in western Amazonia, primarily in Colombia and Ecuador. They prefer dense, humid forests with tall trees for foraging and sleeping during the day. These areas provide ample cover and fruit sources essential for their survival.
Diet
This species primarily feeds on fruits, supplemented by insects, leaves, and occasionally nectar. They forage nocturnally, using their keen eyesight to locate food in the dark, and often travel through trees to access a variety of plant-based items.
Behavior
Gray-handed night monkeys are strictly nocturnal, emerging at dusk to forage and socialize. They live in small family groups consisting of a monogamous pair and their offspring, exhibiting territorial behavior by marking trees with urine. These monkeys communicate with soft whistles and are generally shy, avoiding human contact when possible.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the gray-handed night monkey as Vulnerable due to habitat loss from deforestation and fragmentation. Major threats include agriculture expansion and hunting, leading to a declining population trend.