AMAZONAS, BRAZIL - Fisherman João Cordeiro came across a “mysterious” animal during one of his fishing trips. Perched at the top of a tree like an eagle, but furry like a sloth, the creature immediately caught his attention. What he did not know at the time was that he had just made a rare sighting of the macaco-velho, a species known for its exceptional camouflage abilities.
According to João, the animal’s appearance caused confusion at first glance. Its unusual mix of features made it difficult for him to identify what he was seeing.
“At first I thought it was a sloth, but when it turned around and I saw the size of its tail, I said, ‘No, it can’t be a sloth.’ I got curious, went back home, and showed it to some friends. Some of them told me it was a monkey native to our region,” he explained.
Despite its unusual appearance and lesser-known name, the macaco-velho is not considered a rare species. According to biologist Flávio Terassini, the animal is common in the Amazon, but often goes unnoticed because it lives high in the treetops and rarely comes down to the ground.
The biologist also explained that the species feeds on fruits, insects, and small invertebrates. Even while remaining hidden among the trees, it is still part of the food chain and can become prey for large predators in the rainforest.