A red-faced howler monkey was spotted in Jaraguá do Sul, Santa Catarina, marking a rare occurrence since its population was heavily impacted by yellow fever outbreaks.
A red-faced howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) has been sighted in the urban area of Jaraguá do Sul, located in northern Santa Catarina, Brazil, in what biologist Gilberto Ademar Duwe describes as a rare occurrence. This sighting might be the first confirmed observation of this primate in the city since 2020, which aligns with the outbreak of yellow fever that drastically decreased howler populations in the region. Duwe emphasized that prior to the epidemic, he would often see multiple groups of howler monkeys in various parts of the countryside, but such sightings have become increasingly rare since 2020.
The video of the howler monkey was recorded on Sunday, October 15, around noon, by local residents in the Ilha da Figueira neighborhood. In the footage, a male monkey is seen perched on a backyard fence, attentively observing its surroundings. This sighting is significant not only because it indicates a potential recovery of the species in urban areas but also sheds light on the broader ecological impacts of the yellow fever outbreak on local wildlife.
The resurgence of the red-faced howler monkey in Jaraguá do Sul could have various implications for the region's biodiversity. As the local environment recovers, the presence of these primates is promising as they play an essential role in the ecosystem, particularly in seed dispersal. This event also highlights the importance of ongoing wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts in the area, particularly those aimed at protecting vulnerable species affected by disease outbreaks.
