Capuchins

Capuchins are medium-sized New World monkeys belonging to the subfamily Cebinae. They are native to tropical forests of Central and South America, from Honduras to northern Argentina, and occupy a variety of habitats including primary and secondary forests, dry forests, and mangroves. Capuchins are diurnal and highly social, living in multi­male, multifemale groups. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, nuts, insects, eggs, and small vertebrates, and they often use elaborate foraging strategies and problem-solving skills in the wild.

Taxonomy and characteristics: The term capuchin historically referred to several closely related species, now commonly separated into two genera: Cebus (gracile capuchins) and Sapajus (robust capuchins). Some classifications still group them under a single genus. Capuchins are known for their intelligence and behavioral flexibility, including tool use and complex social learning. They communicate through vocalizations, facial expressions, and body language, and exhibit sophisticated social bonds, grooming, and cooperative behaviors within groups. Diet and foraging can be opportunistic, with fruit often complementing a substantial insect or small vertebrate intake.

Reproduction and conservation: Females give birth to a single infant after a gestation of about 5.5 to 6 months; interbirth intervals are typically around one year. Infants are cared for by mothers and other group members as they gradually become independent. Capuchins face threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, hunting, and capture for the pet trade. Conservation status varies by species and region, with some populations stable in protected areas and others endangered in the wild. They play ecological roles as seed dispersers and insect controllers in tropical ecosystems.