This primate was once thought to be just a subspecies of Humboldt’s white-fronted capuchin, but in 2013, genetic studies showed it was unique enough to be its own species. What makes this capuchin stand out is its dark, vibrant coat. Unlike other white-fronted capuchins with lighter, cream-colored fur, this species has a deep cinnamon-brown to bistre cap on its head, with rich tawny and russet shades along its back. The fur on its wrists, ankles, and the outside of its forelimbs has a bright burnt-sienna color, creating a strong contrast that helps it blend into the shadows and dappled light of the thick forest canopy.

These monkeys live in many different places, from lowland moist forests and semi-deciduous woodlands to the humid tops of mangroves. Their slender bodies and long, nimble limbs make them excellent acrobats. They can run and jump easily across thin, shaky branches that would break under heavier monkeys. Their semi-prehensile tails work like a safety rope or a fifth limb, helping them keep their balance high in the trees. As omnivores, they eat a wide variety of foods and spend their days looking for fruits, leaves, flower buds, and insects. In the dry season, when fresh fruit is hard to find, they often spend more than half their time on the forest floor, searching through fallen leaves for small beetles and other hidden invertebrates.

There are several fun and fascinating details about the Sierra de Perijá white-fronted cThe Sierra de Perijá white-fronted capuchin has some interesting traits that make it unique. Like their close relatives, they have a habit called “self-anointing.” During the rainy season, when bugs are everywhere, these smart monkeys catch certain millipedes and rub the chemicals from them onto their fur to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away. They also have large brains for their size, which gives them great behavioral flexibility and a strong memory. This helps them remember where fruiting trees are, even across large areas. They use a wide range of sounds, from soft chirps to loud warning whistles, to talk to each other, share news about food, and warn about danger.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Colombia

2015

Venezuela

2015