Buff-headed capuchins are excellent climbers due to their long fingers and opposable big toe. They also have a prehensile tail which allows them to stay balanced whilst travelling through the tree canopy.

Scent marking is an important way for buff-headed capuchins to mark their territory. Their favourite method is known as ‘urine-washing’ in which they rub their own urine all over their fur. This makes the scent more potent and longer-lasting.

Buff-headed capuchins are primarily arboreal and would usually spend nearly their entire lives in trees. However, due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, they are forced to traverse the ground.

Capuchins live for
30 years
in the wild
There are less than
3,000
capuchins in the wild
Redevelopment began in
2024
for this habitat
Population has fallen by
80%
in the last 50 years

Animals in Capuchin Climb

Buff-headed Capuchins

Sapajus xanthosternos

From: Brazil

Status: Critically Endangered

Quick Fact: Buff-headed capuchins can crack open nuts by smashing two together or banging them on a tree trunk.

Find me in: Capuchin Climb

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