The blond capuchin (Sapajus flavius ) is a species of capuchin monkey endemic to northeastern Brazil. This endangered species was rediscovered in 2006. It can live in exceptionally large groups of over 150 individuals, and like other capuchin species, exhibits a complex and high level of sociality. It is threatened by loss of habitat due to agriculture, primarily sugarcane fields. In many cases this has caused sugarcane to make up a large portion of their diet, which would otherwise consist of mostly fruit and small animals. The blond capuchin is known to inhabit both the Atlantic forest and Caatinga biomes, although the habitation of the Caatinga may be a recent choice caused by human encroachment into its former habitats. Like other primate species, the blond capuchin is also threatened by poaching and capture for the illegal pet trade.
The Blond capuchin is a species of the capuchin monkeys group to northeastern Brazil. They are concidered to be a critically endangered species. Their pelage is uniformly golden with whitish cap on the head. The face is pinkish and palms of the hands and feet are black.
Blond capuchins inhabit the northeastern Atlantic Forest extended in the states of Paraíba, Pernambuco, and Alagoas in the northeastern part of Brazil. These monkeys live in tropical moist forests.
Blond capuchins are arboreal and usually occur in the lower and mid-canopy. They are social creatures that are active during the day and sleep at night. Blond capuchins live in groups that consist of around 18 individuals. There are more females in these groups than males and both, males and females take up linear hierarchies. The top ranking male is dominant to the top ranking female.
Blond capuchins are omnivorous animals. Their diest includes fruits, seeds, arthropods, frogs, nestlings and even small mammals. They also consume stems, leaves and flowers.
Little is known about the mating system and reproductive behavior of Blond capuchins.
Main threats to Blond capuchins include hunting for food and pets, the loss of the habitat and fragmentation due to coastal development and sugar cane.
According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of Blond capuchins is 180 individuals. Currently, this species’ numbers are decreasing and it is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List.
By feeding upon fruits and seeds, Blond capuchins act as important seed dispersers of their range, thus contributing to regeneration of the forest.
