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Capuchin monkey Facts

Capuchin monkey Facts
Capuchin monkey is cute monkey which became popular after appearing in the "Friends" as Ross's pet Marcel and in the Ace Ventura's movies as domesticated monkey called Spike. Capuchin monkey can be found in South America. There are 9 different species of capuchin monkeys that inhabit tropical rainforests, dry forests and mangroves. Capuchin monkeys can withstand habitat destruction better than other primate species. Sadly, number of capuchin monkeys decreased drastically as a result of over-hunting (local people consume meat of capuchin monkeys), pet trade and scientific research. So far, capuchin monkeys are not listed as endangered species.
Interesting Capuchin monkey Facts:
Capuchin monkeys are little compared to other primates. They can reach 12 to 22 inches in length and weight between 3 and 9 pounds.
Capuchin monkey has prehensile tail that is the same length as the body.
Body of capuchin monkey is covered with fur that is white (or light tan) on the face, neck and shoulders and dark brown on the remaining parts of the body.
Capuchin monkeys are named that way because they look like tiny Spanish Capuchin monks with their white faces and dark brown robes and hoods on the heads.
Capuchin monkeys are omnivores (eat both plants and animals). Majority of their diet consists of fruit, leaves, seeds, berries, flowers and buds. They also eat insects, spiders, oysters, birds, small mammals and eggs.
Capuchin monkeys are highly intelligent animals that use different kind of tools (sticks, branches, stones) to open shells, nuts and hard seeds.
Capuchin monkeys spend most of their life in the treetops, where they can find food and avoid predators.
Main predators of capuchin monkeys are boa constrictors, jaguars, hawks and eagles.
Capuchin monkeys use special type of warning calls (sharp whistling) to alarm members of the group in the case of danger. "Purr" sound is produced when monkeys greet each other.
Capuchin monkeys are territorial animals. Depending on the availability of food, territory usually ranges from 80 to 212 acres.
Capuchin monkeys live in groups composed of 10 to 20 animals of both sex. Dominant male is the leader of the group. Leader needs to defend its territory and to protect members of the group from predators and other capuchin monkeys. On the other hand, leader is the only one that mates and always eats the first.
Although capuchin monkeys do not have specific mating season, most babies are born at the end of dry season and at the beginning of the rainy season (from December to April).
Males urinate on their hands and cover their body with urine to attract the females.
Pregnancy lasts 157 to 167 days and ends with a single baby. Only mother takes care of the baby. Youngsters leave their natal group as soon as they reach sexual maturity.
Lifespan of capuchin monkey is 50 years in captivity.


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