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Uakari (UK: /wəˈkɑːri/, US: /wɑː-/) is the common name for the New World monkeys of the genus Cacajao, native to the Amazon Rainforest. These small, herbivorous primates are identifiable by their short tails, long fur, and distinctive bald faces. The name "uakari" is thought to have originated from indigenous languages. Uakaris are highly social animals that live in large troops and primarily inhabit seasonally flooded forest near bodies of water; however, some species have adapted to live in higher, unflooded forests at higher altitudes.

This genus includes several species found across Brazil, Peru, Venezuela and formerly Colombia. In some regions, uakari populations are declining due to deforestation and hunting practices, calling for the implementation of conservation efforts. Although most uakari species are listed as stable, the IUCN classifies some as vulnerable.

Species

Red uakari (Cacajao novaesi)

White Uakari (Cacajao calvus)

Black uakari (Cacajao melanocephalus)

Recognized species of the Genus Cacajao:

• Bald Uakari
  • Red uakari
    • Cacajao novaesi
    • Cacajao rubicundus
    • Cacajao ucayalii
  • White Uakari
    • Cacajao amuna
    • Cacajao calvus
• Black-headed Uakari
  • Cacajao melanocephalus or golden-backed uakari
  • Cacajao ayresi or Aracá uakari
  • Cacajao hosomi or Neblina uakari

A phylogeographic reconstruction identified a most recent common ancestor of living uakari dating 1.7 million years ago, in the Solimões River, where the species was separated by the changing river and diversified. Bald Uakari were previously recognized as one species comprised of four subspecies. Silva et al. (2022) used molecular analysis to revise the taxonomy of the Bald Uakari identifying five distinct species, including the White Uakari as a new species. Additionally, Boubli et al. (2008) provides evidence recognizing three distinct species of Black-headed Uakari, rather than the one species including two subspecies.

Geographic Distribution and Habitat

Bald Uakari distribution map

Uakari are native to South America, residing in the western portions of the Amazon Rainforest in Eastern Peru, Western Brazil, and parts of Venezuela. Uakari have previously been found in parts of Eastern Colombia. It is thought that they may be extinct in this region as a result of excessive deforestation, which has significantly reduced uakari habitat availability. Nearly all uakari live in the floodplains of the Amazon Rainforest, residing near small rivers and lakes.

Black-headed Uakari distribution map

It is a common belief that uakari are specialized to live only in flooded regions of the forest. New research has shown that some groups of uakari have adapted to live in terra firme forest, which is situated at a much higher altitude than uakari were previously thought to live in. The terra firme forest habitat resides 2000-2200 feet above sea level (600-700 meters above sea level), and therefore does not flood. This evidence suggests that an environment that lacks flooding could possibly be more beneficial to the lifestyles of some species of uakari, especially considering the increase of human disruption in tropical forest.

Physical Description

The average uakari weighs only 6-8 pounds (2.5-3.5 kg), where males are slightly heavier than females, and is around 1 1/2 - 2 feet long (40-50 cm). Uakari have short, non-prehensile tails that are 5 inches (15 cm) long. With the exception of the tops of their heads, faces, and ears, uakaris bodies are covered in long fur ranging in colors such as yellow/gold, orange, reddish-brown, or black depending on the species.

Behavior

Like most primates, uakari are active, intelligent, and social creatures living in groups called troops. Troop sizes range from 10-100 individuals, with most groups containing fewer than 70 individuals. These animals are diurnal, where adults will forage during the day while their young socialize with peers by playing games with one another. Although they are primarily quadrupedal, uakaris have been observed jumping while standing on two feet to leap between trees. Shrieks are used for communication between members of troops and to mark territory, but uakari do not have extensive verbal communication, and tend to be quiet most of the time.

Reproduction

Uakari are monogamous, where females will give birth to one offspring every other year. Females are sexually mature at 3 years of age, and remain in the troop they were born into throughout their lives. Males on the other hand, will leave their native troops in search of mates once they are old enough to reproduce. In comparison to their female counterparts, male uakari are much older when they reach sexual maturity at age 6.

While mating can occur year-round, most breeding occurs during two seasonal peaks in either May-June or October-November depending on the species, and the uakari's gestation period last around 6 months. For the first few months of their lives, infants receive extensive parental care. From birth until the infant is 3-4 months old, parents carry their young on their back or side. Infants will feed off of their mother's milk for the first few months of their lives and slowly transition to eating soft fruits once they are 3-5 months old.

Diet

Uakari forage in both the canopies and forest floor, and are mostly herbivorous. Due to extensive flooding during the rainy season, uakari live up in the trees from December to May, where they primarily feed on fruits, as well as leaves and nectar. The dry season spans from June to November, and uakari are able to roam the forest floor where they have access to insects, seeds, nuts, and roots to eat.

These animals consume a large amount of unripe fruit for which they have specialized dentition. Uakari have strong jaws and large canines that allow them to bite through the hard exteriors of fruits and nuts, as well as flat molars that aid in mastication.

Conservation

Thanks to conservation efforts, most uakari species populations have been considered stable since 2011, and are considered of least concern by the IUCN. Black-headed Uakari, and a few species of Bald Uakari are listed as vulnerable. Ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest has contributed to conservation initiatives by generating funding and raising awareness of endangered species.

Despite these efforts, extensive deforestation has significantly reduced uakari habitat, leaving them susceptible to hunting. Primate hunting is considered one of the leading threats to uakari population decline. In some regions, Indigenous communities hunt uakari for food, and in parts of Brazil, the monkeys are also used as bait for hunting other animals.

Significance of Uakari Conservation

Uakari are primates and therefore closely related to humans and can be used for medical advancements. Their genetic similarities to humans can provide information on the efficacy and development of vaccines, as well as identifying treatments for new diseases. Not only are uakari beneficial to humans, they also play a crucial ecological role. Uakari spread seeds from the food they eat through their waste, promoting genetic diversity and aiding in the protection of numerous plant species.