The Loudest Animal on Land: Five things you need to know about the Howler Monkey
They’re loud, proud and are ready to howl. This magnificent, noisy troop are the Amazon Rainforest’s alarm clock, except there’s no hitting snooze when they start singing!
How loud is a Howler Monkey?
Their howlers are so loud, they can be heard from four kilometres away! The remarkable level of noise these monkeys generate makes them not only the noisiest of all monkeys, but of any animal stepping foot on the land today.
What makes a Howler Monkey howl?
These brilliant bawlers have such a loud voice thanks to an enlarged hyoid bone in their throats. These huge vocal chambers make turning it up to eleven an absolute breeze. Their howling isn’t them practising for the next season of X-Factor though. Their loud voice comes in very handy warning troops that they aren’t welcome in this patch. As well as a defence strategy, it’s also a way for them to communicate amongst one another within their own troop.
Big Bawls vs Big Balls
Research has found that the hyoid bone is larger in those monkeys who have the louder voice. However, the monkey’s with the smaller hyoid bone and therefore donning a more timid sound in comparison boast larger testicles. Sorry Mr. Howler, you can’t have it all!
Are Howler Monkeys endangered?
Yes. Species like the Black Howler Monkey are at serious risk of being extinct. Their habitat is destroyed at an alarming rate due to deforestation. They are also hunted for both food and sport. It’s a sad truth that resonates with many species endemic to the region who face growing threats to their existence on this planet.
How can I protect a Howler Monkey?
Protect the troops with Earth Rewards. Our amazing community back The Trocano Project, a massive rainforest protection project in the Amazon Rainforest that does an awesome job at looking after 1.3 million hectares of area. Their efforts stops this area from being destroyed by burning and logging as well as cares for all the life that exists within it. You can download the app and start collecting points which support the project and offset your carbon emissions.
