{"id":40554,"date":"2024-08-08T12:59:01","date_gmt":"2024-08-08T10:59:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/415bb191-8e2c-42fb-abd4-bb2dcf463430"},"modified":"2024-08-08T15:28:41","modified_gmt":"2024-08-08T13:28:41","slug":"why-do-howler-monkeys-scream-the-secrets-behind-the-loudest-monkey-in-the-worlds-deafening-howl","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/rss_feed\/why-do-howler-monkeys-scream-the-secrets-behind-the-loudest-monkey-in-the-worlds-deafening-howl\/","title":{"rendered":"Why do howler monkeys scream? The secrets behind the loudest monkey in the world’s deafening howl"},"content":{"rendered":"

How and why do howler monkeys scream so loud? Ben Garrod investigates <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 08 August 2024 at 10:59 AM<\/p>

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Emitting calls that clock up more than 188 decibels (dB), the blue whale<\/a> is by far the loudest animal <\/a>on the planet \u2013 even louder than the roar of a jet plane taking off (120dB). The second loudest, and the loudest terrestrial species, is the howler monkey<\/strong>.<\/p>

How loud is the howler monkey?<\/h2>
The rather sinister, guttural croak of this large South American primate<\/a> reaches an impressive 140dB, far exceeding the 70dB achieved by even the most ear-splitting of human shouts.\u00a0<\/p>
What’s the loudest bird?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
How are howler monkeys able to scream so loudly?<\/h2>
It\u2019s a specialised skeletal adaptation that allows howler monkeys to produce so much noise. Their hyoid \u2013 the U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue \u2013 is enlarged, creating a throat sac that resonates vocalisations. The adaptation considerably amplifies and deepens their pitch.<\/p>
Why do howler monkeys scream?<\/h2>
Getty video<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Howlers use a variety of calls \u2013including barks, grunts, and woofs \u2013 to communicate their location to other members of their troop, protect their territory from intruders and guard their mates. There is even some evidence that females howl to incite male competition.<\/p>
Whales have their own alphabet, challenging the view that complex communication is unique to humans, finds new study<\/a> https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/animal-facts\/mammals\/what-are-old-world-monkeys<\/a><\/p>
Routinely emitted at sunrise and sunset, and additionally as a reaction to surprise or disturbance, these low-frequency calls can last for up to eight seconds and travel further than high frequencies. This is especially the case in rainforest habitats, where sounds are quickly scattered and absorbedby the dense vegetation.<\/p>
BG<\/strong><\/p>
Discover more fascinating primate facts and species<\/strong><\/p>
What are the smallest monkeys and primates in the world? Meet the tiny creatures of the monkey world<\/a><\/li>
The world\u2019s 25 most endangered primates<\/a><\/li>
What are Old World Monkeys?<\/a><\/li>
At a staggering 3 metres tall the extinct prehistoric Gigantopithecus is the biggest ape ever, but it wouldn’t be the heaviest…<\/a><\/li><\/ul> <\/body><\/html>\n
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