Aotus nigriceps Dollman, 1909

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

The black-headed night monkey, Aotus nigriceps Dollman, 1909, is a species of night monkey native to South America.

Geographic Range

It is found in Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru.

Habitat in Peru

In Peru, this species notably lives in degraded areas, which are typically disturbed by either human activities or natural ecosystem events.

Body Size Comparison

Black-headed night monkeys are roughly the same size as a small squirrel.

External Ear Characteristics

They have small ears that are hidden beneath their fur.

Adult Weight and Maturity Age

Adult individuals typically weigh around 750 grams and reach adulthood at about 14 months old.

Facial Markings

Black-headed night monkeys have three black stripes that meet on the forehead, plus white patches around the eyes, on the cheeks, and below the mouth.

Eye Characteristics

Their eyes are very large and brown.

Newborn Weight

Newborn black-headed night monkeys usually weigh between 90 and 150 grams.

Sexual Maturity Ages

Males reach sexual maturity at 2 years old, while females reach sexual maturity at 3 to 4 years old.

Mating Period

Mating occurs between August and February.

Reproductive Output

Females give birth to only one infant per year.

Primary Infant Caregiver

Males act as the primary caregivers for infants.

Infant Development Dynamics

Around two weeks after birth, females begin biting infants’ feet or tails to encourage them to stay with the male, and infants begin leaving the male by about 8 weeks old.