Kaapori Capuchin Cebus kaapori

Kaapori Capuchin Cebus kaapori

Critically endangered

Extant (resident)

Brazil (Pará, Maranhão)

The Kaapori capuchin is a delightful, tenacious and intelligent small monkey species of #Brazil on a knife-edge of survival – they are critically endangered. In 2017 their population had been decimated by 80% due to deforestation for agriculture including soy, cattle grazing and palm oil. They are forgotten animals with no formal protections in place. Fight for them every time you shop and be #vegan #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife

Appearance & Behaviour

Part of the gracile genus of capuchin monkeys, Kaapori (also known as ka’apor) capuchins have longer limbs in comparison to their body size. They weigh around 2-3 kilos. Compared to other capuchin species, they have rounder skulls and musculature supporting their teeth and jaws means that they can’t open hard nuts. To get at insects living inside of trees they break branches with their teeth and hands in order to reach the ants inside. They also smash snails against trees in order to crack their shells open.

Threats

The Kaapori capuchin is on a knife-edge of survival – they are critically endangered. In 2017 their population had been decimated by 80% due to deforestation for gold mining, agriculture including soy, cattle grazing and palm oil.

This species of capuchin is sensitive to even minor changes to their habitat. In the late 70’s the largest hydroelectric dam was built within their habitat range, flooding in the area left their forest home fragmented.

Just like many other bird and mammal species in South America – hunting and poaching is also a threat.

Kaapori Capuchins have no formal protections in place. You can help them by boycotting meat and palm oil which is resulting in habitat loss in their rainforest home. #Boycottpalmoil #Boycottmeat and #Boycott4Wildlife

Habitat

The Kaapori capuchin (also known as the Ka’apor capuchin) and is found in only one part of Brazil: Pará and Maranhão along the Atlantic coast to the north of the country.

They are normally found deep in the dense forest where food is most abundant, although they are also found in secondary growth areas during the dry season.

Diet

The Kaapori capuchin is most active during the day time and they are arboreal and omnivorous, feeding on fruits and small insects and invertebrates like snails, spiders, wasps, ants, catepillars, grasshoppers and when the opportunity strikes – bird eggs.

Mating and breeding

Kaapori capuchins are polygamous and females give birth to only one infant at a time with twins being rare. Their gestation period lasts about 150-180 days and they give birth around every two years, sometimes births come closer togethegor when infants die. The capuchins are found in small groups of around 10 or less individuals and co-exist and live alongside bearded sakis and robust capuchins.

Ka’apor capuchins have no formal protections in place and they need your help.

If you wish to raise your voice for Ka’apor Capuchins, join the #Boycott4Wildlife.

You can support this beautiful animal

There are no known formal conservation activities in place for this animal. Make sure that you #Boycottpalmoil and #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket and raise awareness of the plight of beautiful animals in order to support their survival! Find out more here

Further Information

Fialho, M.S., Jerusalinsky, L., Moura, E.F., Ravetta, A.L., Laroque, P.O., de Queiroz, H.L., Boubli, J.P. & Lynch Alfaro, J.W. 2021. Cebus kaapori (amended version of 2020 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T40019A191704766. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T40019A191704766.en. Accessed on 12 September 2022.

Kaapori Capuchin on Wikipedia.

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