Howler Monkeys: The Secrets behind Costa Rica's Loudest Creature

Image Credits (Left): Amaury Laporte

Monteverde, Costa Rica, is a biodiversity hotspot and one of the top destinations for nature lovers. This region is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the iconic howler monkey (Alouatta palliata). If you're planning a visit to Monteverde, you’ll likely hear the loud howls of these fascinating primates echoing through the forest. If you want to geek out on this awesome monkey (and later try to spot it), here are 5 fascinating facts about howler monkeys in the Cloud Forests of Monteverde, and why they’re one of the most interesting species to spot during your adventure.

1. Howler Monkeys Stick Together

Howler monkeys live in troops ranging from 10 to 30 individuals. Within these troops, there’s a dominant male who leads and protects the group. Females and infants have strong bonds, and the group works together to defend their territory.

2. The Infamous Loud Howl

One of the most remarkable things about howler monkeys is their loud vocalizations. Their howls can be heard from up to 3 miles or almost 5km away!, making them an unmistakable presence in the cloud forest. These calls are mainly used to mark territory since it's only those dominant males who take part in it, it is a way to communicate with neighboring groups to let them know about the troop's location. An interesting fact is that this extremely loud howl is only possible because of their unusually large Hyoid Bone, located within their throat this bone vibrates vigorously along with their saggy throat patch thus amplifying the sound to the point they are regarded as one of the loudest animals on Earth.

A howler monkey's Hyoid bone is 25 times larger than it is on most other monkeys! During your stay in Monteverde you may be lucky enough to hear them howling at dawn or dusk— from the sound of it you'll probably imagine something like King Kong raging far out in the Jungle! but incredibly enough these creatures are no larger than a medium sized dog, definitely an experience you won’t forget.

3. Tree Dwellers 

Howler monkeys are primarily arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in the trees. They use their prehensile tails to grasp branches and move through the forest’s dense canopy. Make sure to look up while hiking in the cloud forest—there’s a good chance you’ll spot these monkeys in the treetops, moving slowly as they forage for food. Their diet is mainly made up of of fruits, leaves, flowers and buds, and interestingly enough they do not have the enzyme to break down cellulose, so good part of their energy goes into their slow digestion which results in lethargic behavior, they sleep up to 15 hours a day!

4. Defending their Territory

The distinctive howl of the howler monkey is not just for communication—it’s an important tool for maintaining their territory. Howler monkeys use vocalizations to establish boundaries with neighboring groups, reducing the chances of conflict. A male howler's life changes when they reach 2 years of age, which is the time when they reach sexual maturity, the Alpha male of the troop will kick them out to avoid competition and/or incest within the troop. In some way this is their rite of passage into adulthood and they must wander out on their own until they find a mate and start a new troop.

5. Howler Monkeys Conservation Efforts

Howler monkeys are incredibly important for the health of the cloud forest ecosystem. Through their feeding habits and seed dispersal, howler monkeys contribute to the health of the cloud forest. Their behavior helps maintain the delicate balance of plant life in Monteverde. However, the howler monkey population faces threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation because of road construction and unsustainable development in Costa Rica. Conservation efforts in the region, particularly in Monteverde, are working to protect these monkeys and their environment. 

By staying at Valle Escondido, you are not only getting to stay at one of the best hotels in Monteverde, but you are also supporting regenerative tourism that contributes to the conservation of the region’s unique wildlife.

Conclusion

Howler monkeys are one of the many highlights of a trip to Monteverde, Costa Rica. Their fascinating social structures, unique behavior, and vital ecological role make them an essential part of the cloud forest ecosystem. They are a must see when visiting Monteverde and by staying at Valle Escondido, you can explore the nature reserve and get a chance to experience these amazing creatures in person.