Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Black Howler

Scientific name: Alouatta caraya


Black Howler

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: ATELIDAE

Group: Mammals

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 10 m

Breeding season / Courtship: N/A

Gestation: 6–6,5 mois

Births: N/A


Habitat:
Tropical forests, subtropical forests, savannas

Description:
The Alouatta caraya, commonly known as the black howler, is a primate of the Atelidae family. This monkey is easily recognizable by its black fur in males and golden brown in females. It primarily inhabits the tropical and subtropical forests of South America, notably in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Black howlers are famous for their powerful calls, audible over several kilometers, used to mark their territory. They live in social groups consisting of several individuals and primarily feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers. Their arboreal lifestyle makes them particularly agile in trees, although they spend much of their time resting to digest their fiber-rich diet.

Recommended lens:
>=400mm

Photography tips:
To photograph the Alouatta caraya, it is advisable to use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture detailed images from a distance without disturbing the animal. Since black howlers are diurnal, it is best to photograph them early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is soft and flattering. Look for angles that highlight their social behavior and interaction with their environment. Be patient and discreet to obtain natural and authentic shots.

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