Gorilla Size vs. Howler Monkey Size

Attribute	Gorilla Size	Howler Monkey Size
Weight	200-400 pounds	15-22 pounds
Height	5.5-6 feet	1-2 feet
Body Shape	Stocky	Slim
Color	Black or dark brown	Golden brown

Physical Characteristics

Gorillas are the largest primates in the world, with adult males weighing between 300 to 500 pounds and standing up to 6 feet tall when upright. They have a robust build with broad chests and shoulders, as well as large hands and feet. In contrast, howler monkeys are much smaller, with adult males weighing around 15 to 22 pounds and measuring about 2 to 3 feet in length. They have a more slender build with long tails that are often longer than their bodies.

Facial Features

Gorillas are known for their distinctive facial features, including a prominent brow ridge and large, powerful jaws. They also have a sagittal crest on top of their skulls, which is a bony ridge that provides attachment for their powerful jaw muscles. Howler monkeys, on the other hand, have round faces with small ears and wide-set eyes. They have a more delicate appearance compared to gorillas, with less pronounced facial features.

Fur and Coloration

Gorillas have coarse, black fur that covers their entire body, except for their faces, palms, and the soles of their feet. This fur helps protect them from the elements and provides insulation in their natural habitats. Howler monkeys, on the other hand, have thick fur that can range in color from black to brown to red. Their fur is often longer and softer than gorilla fur, giving them a more fluffy appearance.

Behavior and Social Structure

Gorillas are highly social animals that live in cohesive groups known as troops or bands. These groups are led by a dominant silverback male, who is responsible for protecting the group and making decisions. Howler monkeys, on the other hand, live in smaller groups of 6 to 15 individuals, typically consisting of one dominant male and several females and their offspring. They are known for their loud, distinctive calls that can be heard up to 3 miles away.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Gorillas are primarily herbivores, with a diet that consists mainly of leaves, stems, fruits, and shoots. They spend a large portion of their day foraging for food and can consume up to 40 pounds of vegetation in a single day. Howler monkeys, on the other hand, are folivores that primarily eat leaves, but they also consume fruits, flowers, and nuts. They have specialized digestive systems that allow them to extract nutrients from tough, fibrous plant material.

Habitat and Range

Gorillas are found in the forests of central Africa, including countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They prefer dense, tropical rainforests with plenty of vegetation for food and cover. Howler monkeys, on the other hand, are native to the forests of Central and South America, including countries such as Brazil, Costa Rica, and Mexico. They inhabit a variety of forest types, including tropical rainforests, dry forests, and mangrove swamps.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Gorillas have a slow reproductive rate, with females giving birth to a single offspring every 3 to 4 years. The gestation period for gorillas is around 8.5 months, and infants are dependent on their mothers for several years. Howler monkeys, on the other hand, have a slightly faster reproductive rate, with females giving birth to a single offspring every 2 to 3 years. The gestation period for howler monkeys is around 6 months, and infants are weaned at around 1 year of age.

Threats and Conservation Status

Gorillas are facing numerous threats in the wild, including habitat loss, poaching, and disease. All species of gorillas are listed as endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, with populations declining due to human activities. Howler monkeys are also facing threats to their survival, including habitat destruction, hunting, and the pet trade. Several species of howler monkeys are listed as vulnerable or endangered on the IUCN Red List, with populations decreasing in size.