Exploring Belize’s Black Howler Monkeys🐒

• IUCN status: Endangered / Vulnerable (depending on region) due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
• Range: Belize, Guatemala, Mexico; Belize holds several robust populations.
• Size & appearance: Males up to ~7–9 kg, black fur, large throat pouch; females slightly smaller, sometimes with more brown-tinged fur.
• Diet: Leaves, fruits, flowers, occasional seeds; highly folivorous.
• Behaviour: Arboreal, diurnal; live in groups (troops) of ~4-12; males defend territories via loud vocalisations.

Why Belize is special for black howlers

Belize is a keystone country for the conservation and observation of black howler monkeys. Here are a few reasons:

Population strongholds & protected areas

Sites like the Community Baboon Sanctuary (Bermudian Landing), Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and parts of the Maya Forest provide relatively intact habitat. These areas allow for larger, healthier troops that are easier to observe without disturbing them.

Distribution map of the Black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra)

Conservation efforts & local involvement

Local NGOs such as Wildtracks, Belize Zoo, The Community Baboon Sanctuary, and others have undertaken habitat restoration, environmental education, and community partnerships. These help both protect howlers and enable better ecotourism opportunities.

🐒Why the black howlers are so special to me🐒

I feel incredibly blessed to be living in The Community Baboon Sanctuary, where I get to see and hear black howlers every day. As a Canadian, I won’t even consider another place home if I can’t hear their howl. Even when I travel to places like Caye Caulker or Placencia, I’m immediately aware of their absence and am anxious to return to my little piece of paradise.

How to hear the famous howl — timing, tips & an audio clip

The hallmark of the black howler monkey is its call: loud, low, far-carrying. If you want to experience it fully, here’s how:

• Time of day: Dawn (just before sunrise) and dusk are prime. Early morning (~5:30-8:00) often gives clearer, longer howls.
• Seasonality: Drier months tend to make sound travel farther; less canopy dew means less muffling. Try February-April.
• Location: Standing near forest edges or on ridges increases chances. Avoid noisy surroundings (roads, generators).
• Listen for: Low rumbling, rising to a crescendo; sometimes under canopy cover then echoing up.

At my ponds

Best places & tours to see them

Community Baboon Sanctuary (Bermudian Landing)

This is arguably the most accessible option. Trails are well-marked, guides are local, and sightings are frequent. Try to arrive at dawn; guides often know where troops sleep.

The Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS), established in 1985 and centred in Bermudian Landing, is a model of grassroots conservation in the Belize River Valley. It spans roughly 5,000-5,200 hectares of riparian and lowland forest across seven villages — Bermudian Landing, Double Head Cabbage, Isabella Bank, Flowers Bank, Willow’s Bank, St. Paul’s Bank, and Scotland Halfmoon — where over 170 private landowners have voluntarily pledged to conserve howler monkey habitat on their land.

Over the decades, CBS has seen a dramatic increase in howler monkey numbers. When it began, the population was estimated at around 800 individuals; now it ranges over 3,500 howler monkeys, indicating not just survival but growth toward ecological viability. The sanctuary is managed by the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group (CBSWCG), formed in 1998, wherein women from each participating village lead efforts in conservation, education, eco-tourism, and community development.

In addition to preserving forest corridors and howler habitat, CBS offers visitor experiences: nature walks, a small natural history museum, village homestays, guided tours, and a visitor centre. These activities serve both to educate visitors about biodiversity and to provide economic opportunities for the local communities.- The Baboon Museum website.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Belize is a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Established in 1984, it was originally set aside to protect the endangered jaguar, and today it covers over 400 square kilometres of lush tropical rainforest, rivers, and waterfalls. The sanctuary is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including howler monkeys, spider monkeys, ocelots, toucans, and numerous bird species, making it a haven for both biodiversity and ecotourism. Hiking trails wind through dense forest, leading visitors to breathtaking viewpoints and cascading waterfalls, offering an immersive jungle experience.

Cockscomb is not just a wildlife refuge; it’s also an important research and conservation hub. Scientists and volunteers study the local flora and fauna, track jaguar populations, and work to maintain the delicate balance of this pristine ecosystem. For visitors, the sanctuary provides a rare chance to experience Belize’s tropical rainforest up close—hearing the morning chorus of howler monkeys, spotting spider monkeys swinging through the canopy, or watching a jaguar’s paw prints along a riverbank. A trip to Cockscomb Basin is a true reminder of the beauty and importance of preserving Belize’s wild spaces. The sanctuary website.

Belize Zoo & Wildlife Reserves

If you are short on time or mobility, the Belize Zoo often has rescued howlers. It’s less “wild” but educational and convenient. The zoo, located just outside Belmopan, is one of the country’s most unique wildlife attractions. Unlike traditional zoos, it focuses on native animals in naturalistic enclosures, many of which were rescued from the wild due to injury, abandonment, or human conflict. Visitors can encounter species like jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys, ocelots, toucans, and harpy eagles, all while learning about their behaviours, habitats, and conservation challenges. The zoo’s mission is not only to provide a safe home for these animals but also to educate the public and inspire conservation efforts throughout Belize.

Beyond just observing animals, the Belize Zoo offers an immersive educational experience. Interactive exhibits, daily animal presentations, and knowledgeable staff allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Belize’s wildlife and the importance of preserving natural habitats. It’s a perfect stop for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking to connect with the country’s incredible biodiversity in a responsible and ethical way. A visit to the Belize Zoo is both enjoyable and enlightening, offering insight into the rich tapestry of animals that call Belize home. The Belize Zoo website.

Monkey River & Southern Belize sites

Tour operators from Dangriga / Placencia offer river trips that sometimes encounter howler monkeys along riverbanks. Be aware: visibility depends on riverbank habitat quality & time of day.

Behaviour & diet

Their lifestyle is fascinating: howlers are folivores, meaning a lot of their diet is leaves, which are harder to digest than fruit. This influences their behaviour and energy levels.

• Feeding behaviour: Leaves make up the majority, supplemented with fruit and flowers. They spend much of midday resting to digest.
• Social structure: Troops generally include 1-2 adult males, several females, and juveniles. Males use loud vocalisations — especially at dawn — to define and defend territory.
• Reproduction & growth: Gestation ~6 months; infants cling to mothers; sexual maturity in a few years. Lifespan in the wild ~15-20 years (if habitat is stable).

In my backyard

Conservation status & threats

The black howler monkey is generally locally common in protected areas, but elsewhere is under pressure. Understanding threats is key to appreciating why protected area visits and support matter.

Major threats

• Deforestation for agriculture / cattle ranching / logging.
• Habitat fragmentation—isolated patches reduce genetic diversity.
• Disease—periodic epidemics of yellow fever have greatly reduced some populations
• Illegal pet trade (though somewhat less than for other primates).
• Human-wildlife conflict/disturbance from tourism can be problematic if poorly managed.

What’s being done

Organisations such as Wildtracks, the Belize Forest Department, and several NGOs run programmes for habitat restoration, reforestation, wildlife corridors, community education, and sustainable ecotourism. Supporting local reserves and choosing ethical tours helps.

Photography & ethical viewing tips

Respectful observation makes a difference. Here are guidelines to minimise impact while getting great photos:

• Keep distance — use a telephoto lens. Don’t approach or feed animals.
• Move quietly and avoid sudden movement or loud noises.
• Avoid flash photography in dim forest — it can startle or disorient.
• Stay on trails; avoid damaging vegetation or disrupting nesting trees.
• Support local guides — they know the best times & spots, and benefit financially from conservation-friendly tourism.

Sample 1-day & 2-day itineraries for wildlife seekers

1-Day Itinerary

1. Morning: Dawn visit at Community Baboon Sanctuary; walk the trails and listen for howls.
2. Midday: Lunch in the local village; learn about local conservation efforts.
3. Afternoon: Drive or shuttle to Belize Zoo to enjoy birding/other wildlife.

2-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive & stay near Bermudian Landing. Dawn hike + guided walk. Afternoon cultural activity or visit village.
2. Day 2: Early morning departure to Cockscomb Basin; full-day wildlife hike; dusk return or overnight in lodge.

Frequently asked questions

Resources & how you can help

• Community Baboon Sanctuary – visitor info & conservation support.
• Wildtracks Belize – restoration & education programmes.
• Belize Zoo – rescue, rehabilitation, public awareness.
• Support local guides and tour companies who follow ethical wildlife viewing principles.