The four species of monkeys in Costa Rica are found mainly in areas of continuous forest throughout the country. In populous parts, or in areas popular with tourists, some of these primates will come close to people, having lost much of their fear after numerous encounters. Following are the four monkey species, which contribute greatly to the quality of Costa Rican wildlife.
Central American Squirrel Monkey of Costa Rica
The squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii) is the smallest primate found in the country. It has a white face, grayish body with a red-brown back, and a mainly black tail. Squirrel monkeys usually weigh under 2 lbs, and they are found primarily in lowland forests, where they feed mostly on vegetable matter.
Manuel Antonio National Park, and other places on the Pacific coast are the best places to find these small primates, which are seldom found further inland. Squirrel monkeys are often seen close to the ground, and they are not able to live high in the canopy in dense forest, like some of the other types of monkeys.
White-Faced Capuchins, the Most Common Species of Monkey
White-faced (also called white-headed) capuchins (Cebus Capucinus) are the most common monkeys in Costa Rica. They are easily identifiable, with white faces, chests, and upper forearms, and mainly black on the rest of their bodies. Male capuchins are larger than females, averaging over 8 lbs, whereas females average under 6 lbs in weight.
The white-faced capuchin is found in many of the nation's forested areas, but rainforest expanses near the Pacific, such as Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Parks are some of the best places to find them. They are key figures in Manuel Antonio's wildlife diversity. Fruits and insects make up most of the capuchin's diet. This particular species is considered one of the most intelligent monkeys in the western hemisphere, having complex social grouping and interaction, advanced communication techniques, and the ability to use tools.
Mantled Howler Monkey, the Loudest Primate in Central America
The mantled howler (Alouatta palliata) is a larger, noisier monkey found in many forested parts of the country. Known locally as the "congo," the male of this primate is capable of letting out a howl, or roar, that can be heard for a couple of miles, when it wants to locate other males. Howlers are all black, with some lighter colored mantles, which are their sides, which have longer, golden-colored hairs. Mature males have large, white scrotums, by which they can easily be identified. Males generally weigh close to 16 lbs, while females average around 11 lbs.
Howler monkeys are very common in different forested environments in Costa Rica, particularly close to the Pacific Ocean. They, like other monkeys, feed mainly on vegetation, eating mostly plant leaves.
Geoffroy's Spider Monkey, the Most Endangered Species of Primate in the Country
Spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) are the rarest primates in Costa Rica. Weighing in at about 17-18 lbs (males are slightly larger than females), these spider monkeys are the largest primates in the nation as well. Their bodies are brownish-gray, with darker backs and limbs. They have noticeably long arms and legs.
Fruit is the main food that spider monkeys forage for, searching rainforests to find it. They are endangered, living mainly in areas of thick forest throughout Southern Central America, and they are better than the other species at avoiding contact with people.
All of these monkeys are preyed upon by cats (jaguars, pumas, and sometimes smaller cats like ocelots or jaguarundis), harpy eagles, and large snakes like boa constrictors, all prime predatory figures in Costa Rican wildlife. For a sure sighting of some of these monkeys, head to any national park on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
Thomas Wyatt - Tom Wyatt grew up in Virginia. He has been interested in the outdoors (fishing, birding, camping, and other such activities) since he was ...
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