Night Monkeys
Night Monkeys
Aotidae
The Only Nocturnal Primate Family: The Night Monkey family (Aotidae) is a unique group of primates, distinguished as the only truly nocturnal monkeys in the world. Found in the forests of Central and South America, these elusive primates have evolved specialized night vision, allowing them to thrive in darkness while most other monkeys are active during the day. Night monkeys have large, round eyes with an abundance of rod cells, giving them excellent low-light vision. Their eyes lack a tapetum lucidum—the reflective layer found in many nocturnal animals—but they compensate with high sensitivity to dim light. Their soft, dense fur is typically gray or brown, with distinctive facial markings that give them an almost masked appearance. The family Aotidae consists of one genus, Aotus, with around 11 recognized species. They are small-bodied primates, typically 24–37 cm (9–14 in) long, with a long, bushy, non-prehensile tail that helps with balance. Unlike many primates, night monkeys are monogamous, forming strong, lifelong pair bonds. Males play a significant role in infant care, often carrying their young while the female nurses them. Their diet consists primarily of fruits, leaves, flowers, insects, and nectar, making them essential for seed dispersal and pollination in their ecosystems. They communicate using soft vocal calls, scents, and body language, as their nocturnal nature makes loud calls unnecessary. While some species are adaptable, deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and the illegal pet trade pose serious threats to night monkeys.