New howler monkeys discovered in the Amazon region of Brazil for the first time in 85 years

Two new species of howler monkeys have been identified through research into their evolutionary history, rather than direct observation in the wild. The Alouatta iroi, or Pantepui red howler, is found in northern Amazonia, while the Alouatta matogrossensis, or Mato Grosso red howler, is named after the Brazilian state. Both species are now classified as endangered due to deforestation, particularly in regions like Mato Grosso, where significant forest loss has occurred for agriculture. Researcher Dorien de Vries emphasized the importance of recognizing unknown species for conservation efforts.