ANIMAL: Crested Capuchin Sapajus robustus Type of Animal: New World Monkey Habitat: Forest, forest-cerrado transition areas Location(s): E Brazilian states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, & Espirito Santo Appearance: Bright red conical crest on crown, black beard, brownish red to yellowish brown fur, black forearms/lower legs/tail, males darker/larger than females, females more tufted on crown Food/Diet: Fruit, seeds, spiders, insects, crabs, frogs, small birds, small mammals, stems, flowers, leaves, bird eggs, nuts, roots, tubers, bark, pith, nectar, wood, grains, centipedes Status in Wild: Endangered Conservation: Breeding in zoos & wildlife centers Lifestyle: Troops of 8-10 led by dominant male Additional Info: Called: Male Female Young: Infant Group: Troop Weight: Male: 8 lbs Female: 5.5 lbs Young: 1-2 lbs Gestation: 6 months Life Span: Up to 40 years Height: Male: 1.67 ft Female: 1.3 ft Body Length: Male: 1.67 ft Female: 1.3 ft Tail Length: Male: 1.42 ft Female: 1.3 ft Main predators are felids, raptors, tayra, caiman, & large snakes. Larger medium-sized snakes prey on young. Active during day (diurnal). Dominant male lets off alarm call when predators nearby. Considered one of the most intelligent neotropical primates. Sexually mature at 4 years old. Stones used to crack open nuts & other harder items. Endangered due to habitat loss, deforestation, pet trade, restricted range, hunting, agriculture, & climate change. Tail semi-prehensile, meaning it can be used to hang onto branches but they can’t hang by tails. Play role as seed dispersers due to diet. Like other capuchins, they’re very playful & curious. Utilize understory & midcanopy of trees. Foraging noisy & destructive activity. These monkeys tend to be wary of predators. Fun Fact(s): These monkeys can swim if need be. Name “capuchin” derives from group of friars who wore brown robes w/ large hoods on head. To attract mates, they rub urine on their own fur. Even though cute when little, they become dangerous when older & are capable of biting fingers off w/ sharp teeth. They don’t make good pets. Also known as Robust Tufted Capuchin.
