Distribution of the Tufted Capuchin Monkey through South America
The Tufted Capuchin monkey, scientific name Cebus apella [1], is a mammal and a primate that can be found in the Atlantic forest biome, which is also known as a lowland equatorial evergreen rainforest[8]. This biome characterizes itself with its moist climate and warm weather. It can only be found in the tropical forests of South America, such as the Amazon Rainforest and the Antlantic Rainforest[9].
The tufted capuchin monkey needs sunlight in order to hunt, so it lives during day (diurnal). It lives in the tops of the trees and in groups that range from two to twenty members. A group usually has a male, and the other group members that are closed to him have privilege when there is only a bit of food. Moreover, the male has preference when he wants a female of the group. They do not have a specific area to live, so they usually encounter other groups. [1]
Physical Characteristics: Cebus apella varies in color from light brown to mustard yellow to black. The shoulders and underbelly are lighter than the rest of the body. Above the ears the black hairs form tufts of fur giving the species one of its common names, tufted capuchin monkey. Facial patterns are variable among individuals, but black sideburns extending from the cap are characteristic of Cebus apella. The hands, feet, and tail are either black or dark brown. Cebus apella is the only species of capuchin monkey known to carry its tail in a tight coil. They have a deep lower jaw and large jaw muscles to accomodate a diet of large fruits and rough vegetation. Males are 34% larger in body size and have canines 22% larger than those of females (an example of sexual dimorphism). [10]