Owl Monkeys, Essay Example

The primate known as the Owl Money, which is also sometimes referred to as “night monkey,” is part of the Aitidea family of primates. The owl monkey’s genus is aotus, and there are several species and subspecies. Within the Aotus genius there are two primary types of owl money, the grey-necked owl monkey and the red-necked owl monkey, which are found in different habitats. For each of these two types there are numerous subspecies, though most share similar physical characteristics.

Owl monkeys are found in several regions of Central and South America, including Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. The grey-necked owl monkeys are found primarily north of the Amazon River, while the red-necked owl monkeys are primarily found south of the river. Within these geographical locations, the various species and subspecies of owl monkeys are found in forested habitats of different types. Some subspecies live in rain forests, while some are found in subtropical dry forests and deciduous forests with much less rainfall and humidity than the rainforest habitats. The owl monkey or night monkey gets its name because it is nocturnal, which is unusual for monkeys. Owl monkeys are primarily fruit eaters, but also eat insects, leaves, and flowers. They sleep and forage in small family groups with adult males and females and several offspring. As the offspring age they eventually form new groups with their mates.

Although there are different species and subspecies of owl monkeys, they look fairly similar. Most owl monkeys are small, weighing just a few pounds. They have dense grey fur over most of their bodies, with long tails used for climbing. Owl monkeys have large eyes (which help them see in the dark) and small ears on the sides of their heads. Most species of owl monkeys are not threatened with extinction, though there a few that are threatened due to the destruction of their habitats.

Owl Monkey Research

http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/current/2013-01-24/latest-news/owl-monkey-research-reveals-value-monogamy

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania studied owl monkeys in the wild. Their research focused on their behavior, and the fact that owl monkeys are generally monogamous. Sometimes, however, pairs break up when single males chase off the male from an owl monkey pair.

http://www.mdanderson.org/education-and-research/departments-programs-and-labs/programs-centers-institutes/michale-e-keeling-center-for-comparative-medicine-and-research/animal-resources/owl-monkey-breeding-and-research-resource.html

Researchers at the MD Anderson Cancer Center have used owl monkeys for a number of studies. These owl monkeys have a known genetic background, and can be used for testing drugs and treatments. The researchers have used owl monkeys from the wild, but are focused on cultivating a self-sustaining captive population.