Lagothrix

Lagothrix is a genus of New World monkeys in the family Atelidae, commonly known as woolly monkeys. They are among the larger arboreal primates of the American tropics and are native to tropical forests of the Amazon basin and adjacent South American regions.

Physical characteristics include dense woolly fur, a robust body, and a long prehensile tail that aids in grasping branches during brachiation. Fur color ranges from gray to brown, with species-level variation.

Lagothrix species are diurnal and highly social, typically living in multimale–multifemale groups that may number from a few individuals to several dozen. They communicate with vocalizations and social signals. Their diet is mainly fruit, supplemented with leaves, flowers, seeds, and occasional invertebrates.

The genus includes several species, such as Lagothrix lagotricha (common woolly monkey), Lagothrix cana (golden woolly monkey), and Lagothrix poeppigii (Peruvian woolly monkey). Some taxonomic authorities treat Poeppig's population as a subspecies of Lagothrix lagotricha.

They inhabit tropical forests in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and adjacent areas, occupying rainforest canopies and riverine forest.

Conservation: Habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade threaten Lagothrix species. Several populations are listed as vulnerable or endangered, and efforts focus on habitat protection, anti-poaching, and community conservation.