A black howler monkey was recently born at Pomerode Zoo. Photo: Bioparque Zoo Pomerode/Disclosure.

In everyday life in the city it is easy to forget the wonders and importance of nature, but fortunately there are places that allow us to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and appreciate the biodiversity our planet has to offer, such as the Pomerode Zoo Biopark. .

A trip to the zoo is a great opportunity to reconnect with nature, learn more about biodiversity and conservation, and see up close animals we often only know about from documentaries, videos and books. Did you know that you were recently born? baby black howler monkey at Pomerode Zoo? He doesn’t have a name yet, but he is being looked after very well, and he and his mom have already started trying solid foods like cabbage leaves and fruit.

The black howler monkey’s pregnancy lasts about six months and only one baby is born, which remains attached to its mother most of the time. Photo: Pomerode Zoo Biopark/Disclosure

The zoo team does not yet know whether the cub is male or female, as it is important not to interfere with the care the mother provides it during this period, mainly to ensure that it does not lose contact with its group and does not learn the necessary behavior patterns. for the sake of appearance.

The small black howler monkey remains strapped to its mother’s back at times, but now roams the enclosure alone, interacting with animals of the same species and with natural enrichments. Now visitors can see the baby in the Black Howler enclosure.

Curious facts about the species of black howler monkeys

Vocalization, sound made by Bugios.

One of the most notable features of the Black Howler is its unique vocalization. These primates are known for their powerful sounds that can be heard from many miles away. It is believed that these sounds are used to mark territory and communicate with other members of the group. Because of this sound feature, black howler monkeys came to be called “screaming howler monkeys.”

Different colors

Black howler monkeys exhibit marked sexual dimorphism, meaning that males and females have different characteristics. Males typically have longer, thicker black hair and are larger than females. Females have shorter fur and a light beige color, usually with shades of brown. Puppies are born with a light beige coat; if they are males, then upon reaching juvenile age the light coat is replaced by black coat.

Predominantly folivorous diet

They feed mainly on leaves, but also consume fruits, flowers, shoots and insects.

Live in groups

Black howler monkeys live in hierarchical social groups, usually led by a dominant male and numbering about seven members. They are known for their social cooperation and care for each other among group members. Their social system is a fundamental part of their survival, protecting them from predators and helping them find food.

Six months pregnant

The little black howler monkey remains strapped to her mother’s back at times, but she has been walking around the enclosure alone and interacting with animals of the same species – Photo: Pomerode Zoo Biopark/Disclosure

The black howler’s pregnancy lasts about six months and only one calf is born, which remains attached to its mother most of the time, just like our baby.

Endangered

Unfortunately, the black howler monkey faces a number of threats to its survival and is considered nearly endangered. Habitat loss due to deforestation is a major problem, as is urban and agricultural development, hunting, fires and diseases such as yellow fever, which have significantly reduced the howler monkey population. Several organizations and conservation projects are working hard to raise awareness, protect these primates and ensure the conservation of their habitat. Even here at the Bioparc Pomerode Zoo, these animals are part of a conservation project.

About Biopark Pomerode Zoo

The Bioparc Pomerode Zoo is the largest zoo in Santa Catarina, home to 900 animals of more than 230 species. It performs important functions aimed at environmental education, research, sociocultural activities and the conservation of endangered species.

The Zoo participates in national and international conservation programs in partnership with several organizations that assist these programs by promoting awareness, genetic management, reproduction, and institutional care of these species.

For those who don’t know, conservation programs are a set of actions that help prevent the extinction of critically endangered species such as the black howler monkey (Alouatta caraya), which is classified as NT (Near Threatened) by the IUCN, and its population is on the verge of extinction. decreases. Its distribution is in Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil.

If you would like to learn more about the zoo and the animal species that live there, visit the website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with the daily lives of the animals.