Unusual Uakaris

The Amazon Basin is a whole world of unusual and little known species.  We haven't even begun to learn all there is to know about this treasure trove of incredible diversity.  But one of the most unusual primates that we do know about that only lives in the Amazon River Basin is the Bald Uakari, also known as the Red Uakari.  Its most striking feature?  Its red bald face.

Source:  Wolaver.org

Combine that with its longer than normal orangutan-like fur and fat stubby tail, and you have one strange looking primate.

Source:  Brazilian Fauna

There is also a white bald uakari which is a sub-species.  It could be debated which version is the most startling.

Photo by Luiz Claudio Marigo  Source:  Primate Net

There are four species of uakaris.  Besides the bald uakari (of which there are four subspecies), there are also the black-headed uakaris.  Even though it's not bald, its two- or three-toned coat still gives it an unusual appearance.

Photo by Luiz Claudio Marigo   Source:  Primate Net

Uakaris are found in only a small area of South America.  They can congregate in groups of up to 100 individuals, but forage for food in much smaller troops of around ten or twelve.  Their main diet is fruit but also eat nuts, buds and leaves, seeds and insects.

The Araca uakari was just discovered in 2008, but its conservation status is already considered as vulnerable.  Uakaris are hunted as food and are threatened through habitat loss.

The bald uakari is certainly notable - once you've seen a picture its not something you can easily forget!  For videos, click here and here.