The Coiba Island howler is a species of howler monkey, endemic to Panama. Although the Coiba Island howler has been recognized as a separate species by a number of authorities since a 1987 study of its fingerprints, mitochondrial DNA testing found it does not differ from mantled howler populations in any significant way, however a reason suggested for treating it as a separate species is that the dermal ridges of its hands and feet differ from those of the mantled howler.

This species has an interesting range. There are 2 subspecies

There are 2 subspecies which have been recognized (by those who consider its seperate species status as legitimate.

• Alouatta Colbesis Colbensis, (generally considered the main subspecies) described by Thomas in 1902, and with a range including the Colba island and Jicaron, which is off the Pacific coast of Panama. This is considered as endangered, but I cannot currently find a population estimate.
• Alouatta Colbensis Trabeata described by Lawrence in 1933, and is found on the Azuero Peninsula in Panama. This subspecies is considered critically endangered. It is known coloqually as the Azuero howler, and there are 3000 that remain.