Capuchin Monkey

(Cebus apella)

Live: They are native to southern central America. They are found from Costa Rica to Paraguay and Trinidad

Habitat: Low-lying forests, in primary or advanced rainforests

Diet: They are omnivores, eating not only fruits, nuts, seeds and buds, but also insects, spiders, bird eggs and small vertebrates. Capuchins living near water will also eat shells and crabs by cracking their shells with stones

Gestation: Capuchin monkeys have a gestation period of 150-180 days, usually giving birth to 1 young every 2 years . Twins are very rare

Longevity: 15-20 years

Status: Vulnerable

General: Their name comes from the appearance of a black skullcap - capuce is French for skullcap. The capuchin monkeys' hair is very similar to the cowl or capuche worn by Franciscan monks.

They have a supple and slender body with thin limbs. Their hand is similar to the human hand, and their thumbs and big toes are opposable to the other fingers and toes. Their head is round with hairs at the back darker than the rest of the coat. The long hairy tail is partly prehensile. It serves as an anchor or prop when capuchins travel through the trees.

Like most 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 be found in many differing areas. Their natural enemies include large falcons, cats and snakes.