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Distribution and Habitat

Distribution

The Spix's Red Handed Howler monkey (Alouatta discolor) is endemic to central Brazil, specifically along the southeastern Amazon River in the State of Pará. The distribution of Alouatta discolor is mainly defined within the interfluvial land area between four rivers, Tapajós, Juruena, Xingú and Irirí. The westernmost limit of native habitat lies on the right bank of the Tapajós River and Juruena River and stretches east to the banks of the Xingú River and Irirí River. This strip of land extends northward to Forte Curupá (Gurupá), Brazil, which is the northernmost extent of the distribution of Aloutta discolor, and also the type locality of this species.

Habitat

Aloutta discolor mainly inhabits lowland forests separated by dry areas as well as forests affected by seasonal flooding.

Diet

The main staple in the diet of Aloutta discolor is fruit and large leaves. In addition to leaves, mature fruits like figs are an important part of their diet. This species has also been observed consuming flowers, buds, stems, and bark among other plant parts.

Conservation Status

The Spix's Red Handed Howler is currently listed as Vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The reason for the status of vulnerable is due to the decrease of over 30% in species population over the past 3 generations, mainly due to habitat loss.

Threats

The main threat to the Spix's Red Handed Howler monkey is habitat destruction. The area of central Brazil where Alouatta discolor resides is also subject to hunting, some of which is subsidence hunting. Main drivers of habitat destruction include logging, as well as land conversion for cattle ranching and soy plantations. Habitat fragmentation occurs by the presence of two major highways. The Cuiabá-Santarém highway runs through its range in a north-south direction and the Transamazon Highway runs through its habitat in a east-west direction. In addition to fragmentation of natural habitat, these major roadways pose the risk of fatality by vehicle collision.