White-breasted Capuchin (лат. Cebus capucinus) – white-breasted, or common capuchin – parvotryad – broad-nosed monkeys, a family of chain-tailed monkeys.
Description
The white-breasted capuchin belongs to the genus of Real Capuchins – and received this name for the presence of a dark crest on the back of the head, which resembles a monastic hood. This genus is quite numerous: it includes 4 species of animals with more than three dozen subspecies.
Tufted hair on the head, its shape and size is a clear indication of the identification of this primate species. The capuchin is a small animal – the body length reaches 55 cm. In this case, the monkey has a very prehensile tail (twice as long as the body), which can curl freely around the trunk or branch. The head of the animal is rounded, equipped with protruding a little jaws – and solidny fangs.
The brain of these primates is developed at a high level – and this cannot but affect their behavioral reflexes. They are intelligent enough – and even able to imitate a person, learning complex skills.
But at the same time, the monkeys are rather timid, during the day they hide in a dense crown – and are practically inaccessible for study.
Appearance
The white-breasted, or common capuchin, is a rather attractive primate: their coat is beautiful, thick, mostly black with a pleasant brownish tint and even covers their long tail (however, the end of the tail is hairless). On the head of the primates there is a black crest – but it does not interfere with the animal, without hanging over the face. The neck, chest and shoulders of this species are yellowish-white, and the same hair grows along the edge of the forehead. Moreover, the intensity and size of this color has age and sex differences.
The face of the monkey is pink or light coffee, and sometimes there are dark areas above the eyes.
The size of adults rarely exceeds 500 mm (excluding the tail), and their weight fluctuates around 3.5 kg. As a rule, in this species, males are one third larger than females.
These primates move on all limbs, using the tail as a fifth, and quite dexterously move along the ground. They are able to make huge jumps between trees, can cling to branches and hang upside down without any problems. Their usual resting position is lying on branches, protecting themselves with their tail.
Where dwells
This type of monkey is distributed over a large area of the territory of South America, although its habitat is discontinuous: in the northern direction it reaches the region of Costa Rica, and in the southern territories it reaches Paraguay, the Atlantic (Brazil) and the coast of Ecuador (Pacific Ocean). Panama, Colombia, the region of Ecuador – from even one can be found on the island of Trinidad. Nevertheless, this species is absent in a significant area of the northwest of South America.
The common capuchin is able to thrive in a variety of forest types, including evergreen and deciduous, rain or dry, mangroves, and secondary forests.
Lifestyle
These animals are predominantly diurnal, spending most of their lives in tree crowns. But they, unlike many other primates of the New World, calmly and often can sink to the ground. They prefer to walk on four limbs.
The white-breasted capuchin forms impressive family groups of up to 40 individuals. Females predominate in these groups, and the usual ratio of males to females here is usually about 0.70. There are exceptions, but, as a rule, females spend their entire lives in a group with their close relatives. The males in the group dominate the females, and the young are subordinate. Half of the inhabitants of the group are kids.
Capuchins are able to communicate using a rich set of various sound signals, and also habitually use facial expressions, accompanying it with gestures.
Reproduction
These primates are polygamous. The male has a harem of females, but the female can choose more than one male. The dominant male has the prerogative to reproduce. However, there is evidence that dominant individuals avoid mating with their own offspring.
The mating process is short-lived (about 2 minutes) and pregnancy can last up to six months. The female brings one baby, but the birth of twins is quite common. Usually the period of childbirth falls during the dry season – winter-early spring. The baby spends on the mother’s back for up to six weeks, and then is already weaned from her for short periods of time. By three months, the monkey is capable of independence. Cubs feed on their mother for up to a year.
Puberty for Capuchins occurs at the age of three. But females are able to give birth, as a rule, only by the age of seven. And male reproductiveness begins by the age of 10. Their lifespan, in comparison with other primates, is impressive – in captivity, they can live up to 50 years.
Interesting Facts
Monkeys fix their position in the herd by sound accompaniment and expression of the muzzle. Capuchins are able to feel emotions – in captivity, they can express their state with facial expressions, pulling back the corners of the mouth, while making sounds. Charles Darwin called it a smile. They are also capable of crying – their eyes fill with tears.
