The capuchins are New World monkeys of the genus Cebus. They were named for their “caps” of hair, which resemble the cowls of Capuchin monks. The range of capuchin monkeys includes Central America and South America as far south as northern Argentina. Like most New World monkeys, capuchins are diurnal and arboreal. They have prehensile tails and opposable thumbs. Capuchins are considered the most intelligent New World monkeys.
Scientific Name: Sapijus apella Brown capuchins, also known as tufted or black-capped capuchins, are found east of the Andes from Colombia and Venezuela to Paraguay and northern Argentina. This species inhabits moist subtropical or tropical forests but has also been observed in dry forests, gallery forests, and disturbed and secondary forests.
Scientific Name: Cebus olivaceus The weeper capuchin is found in the countries of Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. This species is found in dry forests and rainforests... and prefers to live in the understory, also called the sub canopy, or lower, but will also occasionally travel on the ground. The weeper capuchin is also found in gallery forests and shrub woodland in Venezuela. Weeper capuchins are social, typically living in relatively large groups of 10 to 40 individuals.
Scientific Name: Cebus capucinus This species is native to the forests of Central America. They prefer to live in large areas, forming troops of up to 20 individuals.
Scientific Name: Cebus albifrons The white-fronted, also known as cinnamon, capuchin is found in the countries of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. This species prefers to live in primary and advanced secondary forests.
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