Miguelrangeljr · CC BY-SA 3.0Black-and-gold howler monkey
Alouatta caraya · karaja
The southernmost primate in the Americas; its dawn roars carry over great distances.
What it is
The howler monkey (karaja) lives in family groups in gallery forests, forest islands and rainforest. It eats mostly leaves and fruit and spends much of the day resting to save energy. Males and females differ in color: adult males are black, while females and young are olive gold. Their howls serve to mark the group's territory.
Did you know…?
It is considered the American primate that ranges farthest south: its range reaches northern Argentina and Uruguay.
Where
Riverside forests along the Paraguay River and in the Humid Chaco, forest islands in Ñeembucú, Caazapá National Park and the forests of Itapúa. Listen for it at dawn.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.