About Alouatta belzebul (Linnaeus, 1766)
Physical characteristics: The red-handed howler (Alouatta belzebul) has red hands and feet, with black or dark brown fur covering the rest of its body. Adult males typically weigh between 7 and 9 kg (15 and 20 lb), and measure around 90 cm (35 in) in head-body length. The species shows significant sexual dimorphism in size and stature. Distribution and life history: This howler lives in Amazonian and Atlantic forest biomes, where dense forest patches are separated by drier areas. Red-handed howlers can live up to 20 years, and do not reach maturity until late in life. They have a long gestation period, and generally reproduce more slowly than other mammal species of a similar size. All recorded births of red-handed howlers are quick and quiet, and take place during the day, when the species is normally active. After birth, experienced mothers carry their young ventrally for three weeks, then switch to carrying the slightly more developed offspring dorsally.
