A captivating sight greeted Las Catalinas beachgoers and Elif Academy students this morning at Playa Danta: a group of mantled howler monkeys enjoying their time by the shore.
The mantled howler, scientifically known as Alouatta palliata, is native to Central and South America. It is a species often encountered in the wilderness of Central America, known for its distinct "mantled" appearance due to the long guard hairs on its sides. These monkeys are among the largest in Central America, with males reaching weights of up to 9.8 kg (22 pounds).
What sets the mantled howler apart is its preference for leaves as a primary food source, a trait uncommon among primates. To adapt to this folivorous diet, they have developed special physiological features. Since leaves are challenging to digest and provide lower energy, mantled howlers spend most of their day resting and sleeping. On Costa Rican beaches, you will often spot groups of mantled howler monkeys with limbs hanging down from tree branches as they nap on their stomachs in the shade of large trees.
Mantled howler monkeys derive their name from their distinctive howling calls. Males have an enlarged hyoid bone near their vocal cords, amplifying these calls. Howling serves as a means of communication, allowing them to locate each other without exerting unnecessary energy or risking physical confrontations. These monkeys are social beings, often forming groups with varying sizes, which can sometimes exceed 40 members. Their loud howls are a famous feature, audible up to three miles away, even in dense rainforests.
Sadly, mantled howler monkeys face numerous threats, including human predation, habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and capture for pets or zoos. Preserving their natural habitat and protecting these magnificent creatures is crucial for their survival.
The presence of mantled howler monkeys at Playa Danta reminds us of the rich biodiversity of the tropical dry forest that surrounds town, and the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard these incredible species.