Compared to the rest of our primate family, we have strikingly little hair on our faces, which is how humans came to be called “hairless apes”. But theres another species that – while not hairless exactly – still manages to stay fairly clean-shaven: the aptly named bald uakari monkey. And there’s something else that makes the uakari stand out: its face is very, very red. Tomato red. Fire engine red. Or, to be most accurate, blood red. :
Several years ago, scientist Mark Changizi suspected that skin could act as a sort of mood ring, a signal to indicate something useful about whats going on underneath.
Some primates, like baboons and chimps, use skin colour to display sexual arousal (but they display that on their genitals, not their faces). For mandrills and some macaques, facial colouration can provide useful intel about fertility, and female rhesus macaques also appear more interested in males with redder faces.
But none of its primate cousins comes close to the persistent redness of the uakari monkeys face. Relatively small (weighing in at around two to four kilograms), the uakaris are found only in a few small strips of the Amazon rainforest, and for as much as 30 years researchers have been trying to work out exactly why the monkeys have so much facial skin on show – and why its so, so red.
Could the redness be a good way of indicating health? When bald uakaris get sick, their skin becomes dull and pale, so a bright red face might be a sign of a healthy, parasite-free monkey – one thats worth mating with. This hypothesis, however, has never been confirmed, and until now nobody has worked out what causes the redness in the first place.
But recently, a group of researchers led by Pedro Mayor of the Autonomous University of Barcelona set out to solve the long-standing colour mystery. To do so, they collected skin samples from a variety of dead uakaris and some other Amazonian monkeys.* They published their results this week in the journal Royal Society Open Science. :
First, the uakaris faces look so red because of a huge number of small blood-carrying capillaries just beneath the skins surface. That skin is also quite thin: its thinner than the facial samples from other monkeys, and also thinner than skin samples from the uakaris torsos and legs.
Second, we can see all the blood flowing beneath an uakaris skin because there isnt any pigment in it at all: the skin is, in a sense, transparent. In comparison, the skin samples from every other monkey species the researchers looked at – woolly monkeys, saki monkeys, howler monkeys, capuchins – contained lots and lots of melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour).
Together, these features allow the uakari monkeys to show off how much blood they have just underneath their faces at any point in time. And that means any significant blood loss due to injury or illness will soon show up on their faces: their facial skin is an “honest indicator” of their health. They cant fake it.
For example, researchers and zookeepers have noticed that uakaris become paler after they become infected with the malaria parasite, or when they contract Chagas disease, both of which affect blood. It could be that uakaris evolved alongside these parasites, with the monkeys red faces eventually emerging as a way of distinguishing healthy from sick individuals.
Then again, when an uakari monkey becomes sexually aroused, its blood pressure increases, and its face becomes redder as well. So the red faces could also have evolved as a means of signalling sexual interest.
As is so often the case, well need further research to tell us more, the scientists conclude.
* None of the monkeys were killed especially for this study; some died naturally and others were hunted as part of the routine subsistence hunting of Amazonian indigenous groups. Hunters gave up skin samples voluntarily; they were never paid.
Dr Jason G. Goldman is a cognitive scientist, animal behaviour researcher and science writer based in Los Angeles. Hes completely obsessed with spectacled bears and has been called a raccoon avenger. Follow him on Twitter: @jgold85. VIEW more from this CONTRIBUTOR
Monkeys with red or pink faces are a fascinating sight in the animal kingdom. The vibrant red coloration on their faces allows them to stand out distinctly in their natural habitats Approximately 10 monkey species are known to have some form of red or pink facial markings.
In this article, we will explore 10 different monkeys with red faces and discuss their key features. Understanding why these monkeys have such colorful faces can give us further insight into their evolution, habitats, and behaviors.
1. Red-Faced Spider Monkey
The Red-Faced Spider Monkey inhabits rainforests in Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, and Venezuela. It gets its name from its bright red face and spider-like movements as it elegantly climbs through trees.
Red-Faced Spider Monkeys have long, black fur covering most of their body except for their bald, crimson red faces. The red is brightest on infant monkeys and gradually dulls as they mature.
These monkeys live in small social groups consisting mostly of females and a few males. They are active during the day, constantly foraging for fruit, leaves, flowers, and insects to eat.
2. Bald Uakari
Found in flooded forests of the Amazon Basin, Bald Uakaris are famous for their bright red faces and bald heads. Their striking appearance is thought to play a role in mating.
Healthy adult uakaris have vivid, blood-red faces. However, males with paler red faces may be shunned by females as a sign of poor health. This demonstrates the importance of their red faces in attracting mates.
Bald Uakaris travel in large groups of up to 100 individuals. They play an important role in dispersing seeds across flooded forests as they feed on fruits and nuts.
3. Rhesus Macaque
The Rhesus Macaque has a light red or pinkish face and is widely distributed from Afghanistan to India and China These resourceful monkeys thrive in cities, towns, and rural settings
Rhesus Macaques are highly social and live in large troops of up to 200 members. Females outnumber males by about 4 to 1. Their red faces tend to fade and darken with age.
These monkeys have adapted well to human environments. They often raid crops, garbage bins, and homes in search of food. Their intelligence and adaptability have ensured their widespread success.
4. Japanese Macaque
Japanese Macaques are the northernmost monkey species with red faces. During breeding seasons, male Japanese Macaques develop bright red faces and bottoms to attract females.
These monkeys are incredibly intelligent and have even learned to wash potatoes and separate grain from sand. They soak in natural hot springs to stay warm during Japan’s cold winters.
Japanese Macaques live in hierarchical matrilineal societies led by the eldest females Troops can contain over 100 members As their forest habitats disappear, these monkeys increasingly share spaces with humans.
5. Stump-Tailed Macaque
Stump-Tailed Macaques inhabit tropical forests across Southeast Asia. Young macaques of this species have characteristic red faces that fade to darker colors with age.
These monkeys spend most of their time in trees but will come down to the ground to find food. They eat a varied diet including fruits, leaves, seeds, bird eggs, and even crabs.
Stump-Tailed Macaque groups contain multiple males and females. Females inherit their social rank from their mothers and are responsible for keeping peace within the group.
6. Hamadryas Baboon
Hamadryas Baboons roam the hills and cliffs of Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. Males develop manes on their necks and shoulders as they mature. They also have red faces and massive canine teeth.
Unlike most monkeys, Hamadryas Baboons don’t form large multi-male, multi-female groups. Instead, one male monopolizes a small harem of females. The male aggressively guards his females from challenges by other males.
These baboons feed mostly on vegetation such as grass seeds, fruits, and desert plants. But they occasionally eat insects and small mammals as well. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in dry, rugged environments.
7. Golden-Headed Lion Tamarin
The golden-headed lion tamarin is a small, endangered monkey found only in Brazil’s Atlantic forest region. It is named for its vivid reddish-orange mane and facial hair.
Golden-Headed Lion Tamarins live in small family groups consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring. They play an important role in seed dispersal and pollination of forest plants.
These tiny monkeys weigh less than 2 pounds as adults. They are active during the day, moving through the forest canopy to find fruits, flowers, insects, and small vertebrates to eat. Protecting their threatened forest habitat is crucial to saving this species.
8. Formosan Rock Macaque
Formosan Rock Macaques are only found on the island of Taiwan. These stocky monkeys have reddish skin on their faces and bottoms contrasting with their gray and white fur.
Rock Macaques spend most of their time in trees but will venture into grasslands near forests. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, leaves, buds, bird eggs, and insects.
These monkeys live in large mixed-sex groups with a dominance hierarchy. Males compete aggressively for top status within the group. Grooming strengthens social bonds between group members of all ages and sexes.
9. Mandrill
Mandrills are large, colorful monkeys found in the rainforests of Central Africa. They are easy to recognize by their bright blue and red faces.
Male mandrills also develop a red stripe down their stomachs and have outward curving canine teeth. Their striking colors and patterns likely play a role in mating displays.
These monkeys live in large groups with a complex social structure. Many females mate with the dominant male who protects the group’s territory. Mandrills mostly eat fruits and insects but sometimes hunt small vertebrates as well.
10. Tonkin Snub-Nosed Monkey
The Tonkin Snub-Nosed Monkey inhabits temperate, mountainous forests in northern Vietnam and China. It has a pink face surrounded by a thick, golden mane-like coat.
These unusual monkeys have upturned nostrils and minimal thumbs. They spend most of their time in trees and have remarkably strong gripping tails.
Tonkin Snub-Nosed Monkeys feed mainly on leaves and fruits, with occasional small vertebrate prey. They live in large groups of up to 600 individuals. Though endangered, their intelligence helps them adapt to threatened forest habitats.
Conclusion
Protecting the endangered forest habitats of these monkeys is crucial to prevent further species declines. Learning more about their behaviors and adaptations allows us to gain deeper insight into primate evolution. The next time you see a monkey with a shockingly red face, take a moment to appreciate its unique place in the animal kingdom.
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FAQ
What is a red faced monkey called?
The first, the red-faced spider monkey, or Ateles paniscus, has a pink/red face, black fur, and lives in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. With its red face, this monkey looks perpetually embarrassed (or really sunburned), and is easy to spot.
Why do Japanese monkeys have red faces?
The researchers found that the red faces of uakari monkeys are caused by a higher density of blood vessels located just underneath the surface of the skin.Jul 28, 2015
What are the names of red face monkeys?
The black spider monkey—also known as the Guiana or red-faced spider monkey—is found in eastern South America in areas north of the Amazon River. They are one of seven species of spider monkeys found in Latin America and one of the largest primate species in South America.
Are red-faced monkeys endangered?
According to the Red List of Threatened Species issued by the IUCN (the International Union for the Conservation of Nature), the red-faced spider monkey is approaching endangered status. The number of these spider monkeys has declined by 30 percent over the past 45 years, due to habitat loss and hunting.
Why do monkeys have red faces?
These types of monkeys live around the world, from The Amazon Rainforest to The Arabian Peninsula. Plenty of monkeys have red faces either as offspring or as adults while others turn red from an initial pink nuance. Apart from being a distinguishing trait, the nuance of their red faces also indicates their health, in many cases.
Can one get monkey pox only on their face?
Yes, it is possible to get monkeypox only on the face. The rash associated with monkeypox can appear anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on the face, arms, and legs. The rash usually starts as flat, red spots that then turn into raised bumps. The bumps can be filled with fluid and eventually crust over and fall off.
What is a red-faced monkey?
The red-faced monkey (Ateles paniscus) also known as the Guiana spider monkey or red-faced black spider monkey, is a species of spider monkey found in the rain forests. Collection of cute funny exotic monkeys and apes isolated on white background. Set of adorable tropical animals or primates. Bundle of endangered species.
Why do uakari monkeys have red faces?
Then again, when an uakari monkey becomes sexually aroused, its blood pressure increases, and its face becomes redder as well. So the red faces could also have evolved as a means of signalling sexual interest.
Where do red face monkeys live?
Madagascar. Colombian or Venezuelan red howler – Alouatta seniculus, South American species of monkey found in western Amazon Basin in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, in Bolivia Bolivian red howler. Uacari red face monkey in the tropical forest from amazon.
What monkeys have red hair?
2. Guianan Red Howler Monkey Mostly red nuances are seen on these South American monkeys (Alouatta macconnelli), with brighter hairs specific to females. Deep red hairs are specific to the males of the species. Both male and female hairs begin to darken after a few years.