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Howler Monkey


Howler Monkey
Photo Information
Copyright: Ralf Lukovic (ralfsworld) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 503 W: 88 N: 1796] (6056)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-07-30
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon 20D, Canon 100-400L 4.5-5.6 IS USM
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-10-05 12:59
Viewed: 795
Points: 20
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
** I am testing new monitor and trying to get better result on this shot! Tell me which version looks better :) **

Today's post is Howler Monkey captured in Belize's rain forest before rain. In this area rains come very fast and despair very fast. I found really difficult to photograph in this area, first humidity, second big light difference between being inside rain forests deep shadows and outsides hard light. Imagine birds jumping in and outside shadows and you on another side trying to use your camera and changing preference's all the time. Two camera bodies is better solutions but not easy to go a round. I saw this guy outside the forest on the tree on way to see Belize pyramids. Rain was on way and it was really dark... I made one shot here and I have two more shots from another part of Belize and that's all... 30min late was beautiful weather :)

20D @ 560mm (400x1.4) even 20D have X 1.6 which I newer count. This is long distance shot ISO 800 + flash...

The howler monkeys (genus Alouatta monotypic in subfamily Alouattinae) are among the largest of the New World monkeys. Nine species are currently recognised. Previously classified in the family Cebidae, they are now placed in the family Atelidae.

Howler monkeys range in size from 56 to 92cm, excluding their tail which can be equally as long. Like many New World monkeys, they have prehensile tails. They have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. These monkeys are native to South and Central American forests. They live in groups of usually about 18 individuals. Threats to howler monkeys include being hunted for food and captivity.

As their name suggests, vocal animal communication forms an important part of their social behavior. Specifically, the name comes from their distinctive loud barking whoop they make, which can be heard over considerable distances. (As correctly pointed out by William Henry Hudson in his novel Green Mansions, "howler" is a misnomer since the male's voice sounds rather like a powerful roar; female vocalisations sound like a pig's grunt). They have an enlarged basihyal or hyoid bone which helps them make their loud sound. They are considered the loudest land animal. Unlike other New World monkeys, both male and female howler monkeys have trichromatic colour vision.

These large, slow moving monkeys are the only folivores of the New World monkeys. Howlers eat mainly top canopy leaves, together with fruit, buds, flowers, and nuts. They move quadrapedally and do not brachiate, usually holding on to a branch with at least two hands or one hand and the tail at all times. Their prehensile tails are strong enough to support the monkey's entire body weight, although they seldom do so. The first 2 fingers of each hand are set apart and are opposable to the other three. They very seldom leave the trees. They rest about 80 percent of the time and are considered the least active of all monkeys.

Howler monkeys are relatively friendly animals that live together in groups where the number of females is greater than the number of males. However, when there is a fight over food or mates or territory, they do not scratch or bite but rather yell and slap.

source: wikipedia
XOTAELE, earthtraveler, marhowie, uleko, MMM, SelenE, Rolf has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hola Ralf.
Geniales detalles y acertado encuadre.
Una nota muy interesante.
Saludos, JL.

Hi Ralf,
This is really a fine POV/pose of this Howler on the open branch as well as composition. Soft focus but I understand the issues you mentioned.
This is the best version of the two.
TFS
Richard

Hi Ralf,
very nice capture with great composition, POV, focus and details. framing also very well. good photo.
This is better of both. other some more soft.
TFS
have a nice weekend
Ahmet

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2468 W: 168 N: 7464] (23588)
  • [2007-10-05 23:09]

God morgon Ralf,
This capture is the best on my monitor and I love the pose of this Howler Monkey with its tail wrapped around the branch. He looks as if he's ready to jump for you! Great sharpness and fine colours in this well-composed capture.
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

Hi Ralf
above all lovely compo with great eye contact
tfs
tom

  • Great 
  • jesst Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 361 W: 0 N: 164] (2200)
  • [2007-10-06 1:48]

Great capture and nice conposition. Good POV and DOF. Well done!

Hi Ralf,
In your WS, it looks to me like the shadows have been reduced much too far?
Your post looks much better :)
Have nice weekend.
Howard

Hello Ralf,
I've heard and seen them many times, but this photo is very special. So close and with such a good sharpness and colours. Beautiful light and pose. POV, DOF and composition are very good. Great eye-contact.
Regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2351 W: 61 N: 3811] (12226)
  • [2007-10-08 1:34]

Hi Ralf,
In my screen this one looks better. I liked the expression you caught on his face. The tail looks lovely too. TFS
Best wishes
Selen

  • Great 
  • Rolf Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 59 W: 0 N: 27] (196)
  • [2007-10-09 5:33]

Hej Ralf
New one looks better on my screen.
TFS
Rolf

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