The Mantled Howler monkey is one of the species most often seen and heard in the wild in Central America and is important to the rainforest ecology as a seed disperser and germinator. It is the only Central American monkey that eats large quantities of leaves but since leaves are difficult to digest and provide less energy than most foods, the Mantled Howler spends the majority of each day resting and sleeping. 

The core of each Howler group (of 10-20 monkeys) is composed of females, which generally live together throughout their lives. Howlers are mainly tree-dwelling animals and are adept at using all four limbs when traveling along the treetops. When eating, they usually wrap their long tails around branches. 

The male has an enlarged hyoid bone, a hollow bone near the vocal cords, which amplifies his calls, and is the reason for the name "howler". It takes its "mantled" name from the long guard hairs on its sides. These primates communicate with each other through a wide variety of calls such as barks, grunts, and woofs. Although they normally give out the famous howling calls at dusk and dawn, they can use this form of communication when disturbed.

Although the Mantled Howler are affected by deforestation, they are more adaptable than other species due to their primary diet of leaves and ability to live in a limited amount of space.