Uakari

rainforest · monkeys · amazon · primates

Brilliant red fur. Uakaris have striking bright red fur covering their bodies, which makes them stand out among the green trees of the Amazon rainforest. Their red coloring might help them recognize each other in the dense forest.

Bare, bold heads. Unlike most monkeys, uakaris have mostly hairless heads that show their pink or reddish skin underneath. Scientists think this bare head might help them cool down in their hot rainforest home.

Swimmers in trees. Uakaris live in flooded forests near rivers in South America and are excellent swimmers who leap between trees and dive into the water. They're built for life in watery, swampy areas where most other animals struggle.

Social groupers. These monkeys live together in groups called troops, sometimes with dozens of members, and they communicate with calls and gestures. Living in groups helps them find food and stay safe from danger.

Seed snackers. Uakaris eat mostly seeds and unripe fruit from rainforest trees, and they play an important role by spreading seeds through the forest as they move around. Their diet helps the rainforest stay healthy and grow.