AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN VUInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction if the current adverse conditions continue.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Cebus capucinus
White-faced capuchin
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Highly intelligent primate with black fur and white face, throat, and shoulders.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Mono carablanca
White-headed capuchinCapuchino de cabeza blanca
CebusTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Primates
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Cebidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Cebus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
99%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Adapts to various types of forests, including secondary and mangroves.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Known for tool use and complex social structure.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Live in groups of 10 to 35 individuals led by an alpha male.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Omnivore; consumes fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and eggs.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Important seed disperser and insect population controller.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Females give birth every two years; infant care is shared.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
33.0 - 45.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
2.60 kg - 3.90 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
48 - 84 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
150 - 160
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males25 - 30 Years
Females25 - 30 Years
Ecological RelationshipsDocumented ecological interactions with other species: predation, mutualism, competition, and parasitism.
Mutualism (+/+)Panthera onca — Jaguar
Test
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
The male is up to 25% larger than the female.
Females Multi-lang
The female is smaller and reaches sexual maturity earlier.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Prehensile tail that acts as a fifth hand for support.
Cognitive ability to process information and use objects as tools to obtain food.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat fragmentation and capture for the pet trade.
Negative interactions with humans and transmission of zoonotic diseases.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They rub medicinal plants on their fur to repel insects.
They are known to be one of the most intelligent New World primates.
Ecological RelationshipsDocumented ecological interactions with other species: predation, mutualism, competition, and parasitism.
Mutualism (+/+)Panthera onca — Jaguar
Test
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
