Blue Moon Baboon

The black howler monkeys are a fearsome lot, at least audibly. The low and guttural sound of howler monkeys is one of the loudest calls produced by any land animal. Under certain conditions, a howler’s call can be heard from as much as a mile away. The male’s call is typically louder than the female’s and is produced by drawing air through a cavity in an enlarged hyoid bone in the throat.

Here, on a rare second full moon in 30 days, which is known as a “Blue Moon”, that occurred on November 21st 2010, the river is silent and all else is awash with light. Jupiter is rising and not a leaf stirs. A magical mist envelops the moon and sheets of light settle down over the damp, dark fur of the howler monkey. The moonlight seems to be suggesting that this big voice box should tone it down and just enjoy the silence.

This male, however, sees this as his opportunity to proclaim his status in the hierarchy of howlerdom and challenge any on comers. Physical fighting among group members is infrequent and generally of short duration, but serious injuries can result. Both males and females rarely fight with each other, but physical aggression is even more rare between sexes. Group size varies by species and by location, with an approximate ratio of one male to four females.

Belize has a healthy population of howler monkeys although drought, fire and deforestation will impact the population if not managed.