Costa Rica Wildlife – 13 Things You Didn't Know About Howler Monkeys

Even though everyone recognizes a howler monkey but its picture or is aware of its amazing howl. We really know very little about this creature.

Here are some fast facts to help you connect better with it. And if you’re visiting Costa Rica, chances are, you will not only connect with it through paper, but up close and personal!

1. Howler monkeys are the largest of all new world monkeys
2. They are native to Central and South America
3. They can live in altitudes as high as 2,500 meters above sea level
4. They can grow as long as 92 cm, excluding their tails which can grow to equal size.
5. Their tails are prehensile, meaning they can hold, grasp and manipulate items with it
6. They can live up to 20 years
7. Males grow up to 7 kg and females only 5 kg
8. Their incredible howl can be heard more than 1 km away
9. The howls usually come sunrise, sunset, at people, airplanes, rain and thunder, or other howlers
10. By 12 weeks old, a howler is ready to leave his troop, which can range in size from 10-20 howlers
11. Females become sexually active by 3 years old
12. Howlers are extremely common in Costa Rican Forests
13. Howlers are picky foragers. They only eat certain parts of certain trees and only a certain amount

Corcovado National Park is the host of a lot of Howler Monkeys and I advise you not to poke them too much!