Primate Research: Capuchin Monkeys

PRIMATE RESEARCH: CAPUCHIN MONKEYS

Capuchin monkeys belong to the genus Cebus of the family Cebidae, subfamily Cebinae. They are considered to be one of the most intelligent New World monkeys. They are named after the Capuchin monks for having black “cap” of hair. The different species of Capuchin monkeys include: Cebus albifrons (white-fronted capuchin), Cebus apella (tufted capuchin), Cebus capucinus (white-faced capuchin), Cebus kaapori (Kaapori capuchin), Cebus libidinosus (black-striped capuchin), Cebus nigritus (black capuchin), Cebus olivaceus (wedge-capped capuchin), Cebus queirozi (blond capuchin), Cebus xanthosternos (golden-bellied capuchin), Cebus cay (Azaras’s capuchin), Cebus macrocephalus (Large-headed capuchin).

Physical Characteristics

Capuchin monkeys are round-headed and have a lean body. The fur covering from the face to the chest is white in color, while the rest of the body is colored from light brown to black with a black “hair cap”. They measure about 12–22 in height, with a prehensile tail of about the same length as the body. They weigh up to 2 - 3 pounds.

Behavior

Capuchin monkeys are diurnal and arboreal. During the day they spend most of their time searching for food and at night they sleep in trees. They are omnivorous and therefore can eat a wide variety of food from plants and fruits to insects and small vertebrates. Capuchins live and travel together in groups of 10 to 35 members, consisting of both adults and youngs. They communicate with each other through vocalization. Capuchins use their urine to mark their territories and male capuchins also rub their fur with it to attract mates. An alpha male usually dominates the group, with the exception of the White-headed Capuchin which can be led by both an alpha male and an alpha female. Capuchins’ longevity in captivity can be up to 45 years, while in nature it is only 15 to 25 years.

Population Status

As of March 2010 the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Version...