ANIMAL: Brown Capuchin Sapajus apella Type of Animal: New World Monkey Habitat: Tropical/subtropical forests, forest edge Location(s): Native to N. & W. South America. Introduced on Trinidad. Appearance: Black-brown tuft on head, short, thick tail, rough fur, black hands/feet. Food/Diet: Fruit, leaves, roots, tubers, stems, bark, nectar, wood, pith, grains, flowers, seeds, nuts, eggs, insects, birds, mouse opossums, lizards, frogs, carrion, spiders, centipedes, small bats, small snakes, baby tortoises, baby turtles, baby crocodilians, baby titi monkeys, rodents Status in Wild: Stable Conservation: Breeding in zoos & wildlife centers Lifestyle: Troops comprise of a dominant male w/ 7-17 females & offspring along w/ 3-10 subordinate males. Additional Info: Called: Male Female Young-Infant Group-Troop Weight: Male-8 lbs Female-5.5 lbs Young-1-2 lbs Gestation: 6 months Height: Male-1.5 ft Female-1.27 ft Body Length: Male-1.5 ft Female-1.27 ft Life Span: Up to 40 years Tail Length: Male-1.5 ft Female-1.27 ft Main predators are felids, raptors, coyotes, tayras, crocodilians, & large snakes. Larger medium-sized snakes prey on young. They’re diurnal meaning they come out during the day. Sexually mature at 4 years old. They’re commonly used in biomedical lab research for disease cures. Dominant male lets off alarm call when predators nearby. Stones used to crack open nuts. Considered one of the most intelligent neotropical primates. Fun Fact(s): Have been used as service animals in use of assisting quadriplegics. 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. In movie Night At The Museum, the monkey that stole Larry’s keys was a Brown Capuchin. Ben Stiller played Larry the museum guard.
