Taking A Closer Look: Owl Monkeys

Owl monkeys are unique.  While most of the prosimians (the more primitive primates) are nocturnal, owl monkeys are the only nocturnal anthropoid (monkeys and apes).  They are arboreal (live in trees) new world primates and have a wide geographic distribution from the forests of Panama to northern Argentina.

Owl monkeys belong to the genus Aotus and there are several different types of owl monkey.  Currently taxonomists believe there are at least eight species.

Owl monkeys are arguably one of the most cooperative primates.  Monogamous pairs jointly defend territories and the male is responsible for most of the infant care.  Owl monkeys share food at unusually high rates.  They are well adapted for nocturnal life with large eyes to help them see at night and scent glands which they use for olfactory communication.