Two new howler monkey species discovered in the Amazon

Researchers led by the University of Salford have identified two new species of howler monkeys, Alouatta iroi and Alouatta matogrossensis, in the Amazon rainforest. The discovery, published in the journal Communications Biology, marks the first new species classification for this genus in over 80 years.

The identification was made possible through genetic analysis, which allowed scientists to distinguish these primates from similar species that were previously grouped together due to subtle morphological differences. Howler monkeys are known for their loud, roar-like vocalizations that can travel several kilometers.

The findings also serve as a conservation warning, as one of the new species inhabits a region of the Amazon heavily impacted by deforestation and may already face a serious risk of extinction.