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White-headed capuchin, or White-faced capuchin, orWhite-throatedcapuchin(Cebus capucinus)
Phylum —chordata
Class — mammalia
Order — primates
Family — cebidae
Genus –cebus
Appearance
White-faced capuchins have distinctive markings that distinguish them from other capuchin monkeys. Their dorsum and hindquarters are solid black, while the upper chest, forearms, and the fur around the face are white. They have tan-colored facial skin and a black cap on their heads. White-faced capuchins have prehensile tails, used for grasping and carrying food and for added postural support. They reach their full adult size by age 8. Males weigh between 3 and 4 kg and females weigh between 2 and 3 kg. This is the greatest degree of sexual dimorphism among the capuchins. They are primarily quadrupedal, but are also excellent leapers and climbers.
The head and body length is between 33 and 45 cm (13 and 18 in) with a tail length of between 35 and 55 mm.
Habitat
Cebus capucinus is native to Central America in the Neotropical Region. They are found in Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and along the coast of Columbia and Ecuador. Some individuals have been reported as far south as Argentina.
Behavior
White-faced capuchins are highly social and live in multi male - multi female groups of 18 to 20. Females are philopatric and stay with the group they are born into; males leave around age 4 to find a place in a new group.
White-faced capuchins are diurnal primates and are very active during the day. They sleep at night. White-faced capuchins are playful and inquisitive, they play extensively and are especially interested in taking things apart. This behavior is more frequently observed in captive settings but also occurs in the wild. White-faced capuchins are energetic and active. Social play is common among all group members, especially juveniles, who spend considerable amount of time playing and wrestling. Juveniles also rely heavily on social learning; observing adults to learn essential behaviors and skills.
Diet
White-faced capuchins eat a wide variety of plants and animals. Their primary diet is a variety of fruits and nuts, but insects, other invertebrates, and small vertebrates are taken opportunistically. Vertebrates eaten include squirrels, tree rats, lizards, and birds.
Reproduction
White-faced capuchins are polygamous, with males and females having multiple partners. There is a dominance hierarchy among males, with alpha males having more mating opportunities. However, subordinate males are also allowed to mate. Alpha males spend a large portion of their time engaged in deterring predators and males from outside groups. Providing his group with this protection gives the alpha male precedence over the other males in mating opportunities.
Females give birth to a single offspring at about 2 year intervals. Breeding is seasonal, with peak female fertility from January to April. Mating occurs outside of these months but rarely results in conceptions. Gestation last for an average of 160 days. Adult females become sexually mature around age 4, but typically don't give birth until age 7. Males become sexually mature at 7 to 10 years old.
White-faced capuchin maximum lifespan in captivity is 55 years. Wild lifespan may be less than half of that.
In captivity
Minimum recommended cell size is 1*1*1.8 m.
You may be tempted to let the monkey run freely around the house while you are at home, but despite your presence, there may be too many dangerous situations. Therefore, a spacious cage is not a cruelty, but a necessity.
The keepers should give their monkey a variety of food. It is better to use good commercial feed for monkeys. The diet must include fruits, cooked and raw vegetables, seeds, nuts, eggs, hard-boiled eggs and wheat bread. You can give the monkey insects, such as grasshoppers, crickets, or flour crunch, which they eat in the wild. Use vitamin supplements. It is important because they contain vitamin D3.
Give the monkey more toys. Toys that are suitable for small children will also be suitable for monkeys, so it won`t be difficult to buy them in the nearest children's shop.
Take the monkey for a walk using a collar or harness. Most likely, the monkey will prefer to travel sitting on your shoulder, but the leash will be useful to pull it away if it goes where it should not.
