About Aotus nigriceps Dollman, 1909
The black-headed night monkey, Aotus nigriceps Dollman, 1909, is a species of night monkey native to South America. It is found in Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. In Peru, this species notably lives in degraded areas, which are typically disturbed by either human activities or natural ecosystem events. Black-headed night monkeys are roughly the same size as a small squirrel. They have small ears that are hidden beneath their fur. Adult individuals typically weigh around 750 grams and reach adulthood at about 14 months old. Black-headed night monkeys have three black stripes that meet on the forehead, plus white patches around the eyes, on the cheeks, and below the mouth. Their eyes are very large and brown. Newborn black-headed night monkeys usually weigh between 90 and 150 grams. Males reach sexual maturity at 2 years old, while females reach sexual maturity at 3 to 4 years old. Mating occurs between August and February. Females give birth to only one infant per year. Males act as the primary caregivers for infants. Around two weeks after birth, females begin biting infants’ feet or tails to encourage them to stay with the male, and infants begin leaving the male by about 8 weeks old.
