WOOLLY MONKEY

(Lagothrix), any of two or three species of South American monkeys, family Cebidae, found in forests along the Amazon basin and becoming increasingly rare as their habitat is destroyed. Woolly monkeys average 4060 cm (1624 inches) in length excluding the somewhat longer tail. As the name implies, they have short, dense fur, which, depending on the species, is tan, gray, reddish, or black and in some forms is darker on the head. They have big, round heads; bare, black or brown faces; sturdily built limbs; and heavy, prehensile tails. Their bodies are thick, and their protruding bellies have given them the Portuguese name barrigudo, or big belly. Woolly monkeys are active during the day. Gregarious, they live in small groups and are often found in company with capuchins, howlers, and other monkeys. They are rather slow in their movements and generally travel on all fours, although they often swing by their hands, feet, and tail or by their tail alone. On the ground they stand erect, using the tail for support. Woolly monkeys mature at about four years. They bear single young after about 225 days' gestation. Food in the wild is primarily fruit and leaves, but in captivity these monkeys accept almost any food and for that reason often have nutritional problems. They are placid and gentle, but they need attention and must be coddled to some extent. They weep when upset. Pets have appeared to enjoy playing hide-and-seek. The woolly spider monkey (q.v.), is intermediate in form between these and spider monkeys.