New Challenges in the Study of Howler Monkey Anatomy, Physiology, Sensory Ecology, and Evolution: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go?

Abstract

Howlers offer an instructive model to address a broad range of research questions regarding the morphological, evolutionary, ecological, behavioral, reproductive, and social strategies of living and fossil primates. This volume has shown, however, that despite numerous fi eld-, laboratory-, and museum-based studies, our current understanding of howler genetics, morphology, physiology, ontogeny, and sensory ecology are focused on a relatively small number of species within the genus. Clearly, there is a priority to study other howler species such as A. sara, A. belzebul, A. macconnelli, A. discolor, A. ululata, and A. nigerrima , as well as subspecies of A. seniculus such as puruens is and juara, and to employ new research tools and data- collecting methodologies to address the next generation of research questions.