Capuchin Monkey
Cebus capucinus
- Where
- Central and South America, from Costa Rica to Argentina
- Habitat
- Tropical rainforests and cloud forests
- Diet
- Fruits, leaves, insects, small reptiles, and even some human food
- Size
- 15-20 inches tall, 4-8 pounds
- Lifespan
- 15-25 years in the wild, up to 30 years in captivity
- Conservation
- Listed as Least Concern but habitat loss and hunting threaten populations in some areas
Fun Facts
- Capuchins are expert tool users - they use rocks to crack open nuts and sticks to dig grubs.
- They have complex social structures with multiple family groups living together.
- Capuchin monkeys can learn human sign language like no other primate except chimpanzees.
Learn More
Capuchins have distinctive black faces with white eyebrows that look like a monk's cap, hence their name.
They have sharp teeth and strong jaws for eating tough fruits and seeds.
Their long arms help them swing through trees at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.