The weekend is over and we are back for another exciting, fun-filled week of Wild Facts. Today is going to be known as Monkey Monday since we are going to go deep into the world of the White Faced Capuchin. You might recognize this medium-sized New World Monkey from your days lounging around on the couch while watching endless hours of TV. Of course the White Faced Capuchin was front in center on the Blockbuster Hit, Outbreak. You didn’t see that movie but still recognize this little monkey? This tells me that you were an avid fan of the sitcom Friends. Of course, the primate pet of Ross was a White Faced Capuchin. In case it is going to bother you his name was Marcel, however, I do believe he was played by a female Capuchin. Enough of the TV trivia, let’s move onto today’s Wild Fact.
The White Faced Capuchin has also been called the White-Headed Capuchin or the White-Throated Capuchin. Of course, all of these unoriginal names are for obvious reasons. This particular Capuchin plays an important role in the rainforest ecosystems of Central America and the northern portion of South America. This monkey plays a large role in dispersing seeds and pollen throughout their jungle habitat. I guess they are like bumblebees of the rainforest.
The White Faced Capuchin is thought to be one of the most intelligent monkey species living on this planet. This would explain how they have been trained to assist paraplegic people in North America. This probably suits the Capuchin just fine since they are a very social animal. Normally they will reside in troops containing 3 to 30 individuals with at least one male in the group. In large groups the ratio of females to males is about 3:1 while it is a more even 1:1 ratio in the smaller groups. While living in these groups the monkey’s will groom each other and often form alliances with other individuals of the group. How about that, even a monkey troop is cliquey.
White Faced Capuchin Fast Fact – Although the White Faced Capuchin is not territorial they will become very aggressive towards members of other groups. I guess it would be difficult to become territorial when this group of Capuchin’s travel on average 2 km per day. I wonder if they ever get jet lagged from all of that tree-top swinging traveling?
That does it for Monkey Monday. Make sure you tune in for tomorrow’s amazing animal fact. Have a great day! Actually, before you go, watch the short clip below to find out just how smart the White Faced Capuchin really is!
