Capuchin monkey

Cebus capucinus

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Cebus albifrons

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Cebus olivaceus

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Cebus kaapori

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Cebus apella

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Cebus libidinosus

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Cebus nigritus

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Cebus xanthosternos

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The capuchins are the group of New World monkeys classified as genus Cebus. Their name comes from their coloration, which resembles the cowls worn by the Capuchin order of Roman Catholic monks. Cebus is the only genus in subfamily Cebinae.

Related Topics:
New World monkey - Capuchin - Roman Catholic - Monk

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Capuchins' range includes Central America (Honduras) and middle South America (middle Brazil, Paraguay).

Related Topics:
Central America - Honduras - South America - Brazil - Paraguay

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Capuchins generally resemble the monks of their namesake. Their body, arms, legs and tail are all darkly (black or brown) colored, while the face, throat and chest are white colored, and their head has a black cap. This general pattern varies from species to species, as well as among individuals within a species. They reach a length of 30 to 56 cm, with tails that are just as long as the body. They weigh up to 1.3 kg.

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Like most New World monkeys, capuchins are diurnal and arboreal. With the exception of a midday nap, they spend their entire day searching for food. At night they sleep in the trees, wedged between branches. They are undemanding regarding their habitat and can thus be found in many differing areas. Among the natural enemies of the capuchins are large falcons, cats and snakes.

Related Topics:
Diurnal - Arboreal - Falcon - Cat - Snake

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The diet of the capuchins is more varied than other monkeys in the family Cebidae. They are omnivores, eating not only fruits, nuts, seeds and buds, but also insects, spiders, bird eggs and small vertebrate. Capuchins living near water will also eat crabs and shells by cracking their shells with stones.

Related Topics:
Cebidae - Omnivore

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Capuchins are also kept as pets, even when import of these animals is forbidden and in spite of animal-rights activists claim that monkeys are unsuitable as domestic animals. Zoos and circuses often keep capuchins as well. Sometimes they plunder fields and crops and are seen as troublesome by nearby human populations. In some regions they have become rare due to the destruction of their habitat.

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