How these howler monkeys recovered from near extinction

Brown howler monkeys are endemic to the Atlantic Forest in Brazil and Argentina and became one of the 25 most threatened primate species following a yellow fever outbreak in late 2016.

In response, Brazilian government agencies and other conservation organizations launched a nationwide population management plan, focused on coordinating captive facilities with experts who could relocate animals to areas where populations have vanished or declined.

This was made possible by the adaptation of a vaccine — originally developed for humans — against the yellow fever virus. In Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca Forest, a reintroduction initiative called Refauna has already begun showing signs of success.

This video was originally reported by Kashfi Halford and appeared on Mongabay, an independent media organization bringing you news and inspiration from nature's frontline.