Brown capuchins: a way of life in the wild, reproduction

Brown capuchin - this name is familiar to all fans of the animal world. Who does not know these lovely monkeys! They can be distinguished from other varieties of Capuchin by two horn-like coats, which are on the head of an adult animal. These primates are one of the largest representatives of the family Chain-tailed monkeys. Brown capuchin, apella, black-capped capuchin, faun - these are all names of one kind of animal. It is interesting that the brain of these creatures is about 1.9% of the total weight. In humans, this indicator is about 2%, and in chimps - only 0.9%. Based on this, it can be argued that Capuchins are the most intellectually developed apes in the world and can compete with large primates with their ability to learn and solve complex problems.

Brown capuchins: habitat

Blackhead monkeys prefer to dwell in tropical and subtropical forests, but they can also be found in galleries and dry forests. These mobile primates live even in the highlands at an altitude of 200-1100 m in the northwest of Argentina.

In our time, brown capuchin species are registered in such countries as Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Paraguay, Suriname, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Venezuela.

Description of brown capuchins

The weight of an adult faun is 1.5-5 kg., But there are individuals that reach 6-7 kg. The length of the body is 30-35 cm, the tail is 30-55 cm. Apella is the only type of capuchin that can fold its long grasping tail with a ring. Males are much larger than females.

On the faun's head, black long straight hair grows over the ears, forming into two characteristic tufts, because of this "headdress" this kind of monkey is often called crested capuchin. On both sides of the head markedly on one black strip, this visually gives the muzzle a square shape. The face of the monkey stands out with a light red tinge. The body of the black-headed handsome man is covered with wool, which is colored in dark colors: from dark brown and mustard yellow to black. On the shoulders of the "coat" is noticeably lighter. Tail, brushes and feet of brown or black.

Lifestyle in the wild

The brown capuchins live in groups of 10 to 30 monkeys. In such a community, males and females are usually even, sometimes there are more "girls" than "boys". Faunas communicate with each other with sounds, the repertoire of which is very extensive: growling, screaming, trills, whistles, twitter, loud croaking, purring and even gnashing of teeth.

The brown capuchins get along well with their neighbors, thanks to such peaceableness, different groups can safely feed themselves in the border areas of the occupied territories. One community of fauns occupies 30-40 hectares, but it happens that one "state" of Capuchins inhabits up to 350 hectares, passing every day to a new place. The male, who plays the role of the leader in the group, must ensure that the aliens do not invade the occupied territory. To frighten off unwelcome guests, the head of the family makes loud, menacing screams. Thus, he notifies that this is his kingdom, and the entrance to it is prohibited.

Brown Capuchin: Reproduction

Fauns lead a polygamous way of life, the female herself decides with which male to mate with her. There is no definite time for the mating season in Capuchins. Most of the cubs are born in the drought season and at the very beginning of the rainy season. So weddings their black-headed primates celebrate from April to July. A female gives birth to a baby every two years.

When the female comes the gong, she begins to pursue the male dominant in the group, while issuing crying calls and seducing him with his poses. The potential "groom", noticing wooing, "bride" begins to repeat her gestures and while singing, issuing high notes. Mating occurs only once a day, after which the male for two days does not admit to the female other applicants for her love. Thanks to his efforts, she produces a baby, conceived from the strongest male in the family, because during the time that the female spends under the protection of the leader, she passes the state of estrus.

Offspring of Capuchins

Pregnancy of capuchins lasts 160-180 days. A young Capuchin, just born, is covered in wool. He is completely helpless during the first month of life, then the grown-up monkey moves to the back of the parent. At the age of two months, a young Capuchin begins to explore the world around him, but his mother is not far away. When the baby fawn turns 3 months old, it becomes more independent, so to speak, because for a year the female feeds a small child with her milk, helps to get solid food and protects from enemies as far as possible.

Educate their offspring females all together, helping each other to take care of the kids. Males take no part in this. The period of childhood and youth in Capuchins lasts a long time, during this time the young people have time to learn everything they need to survive in the wild.

Natural enemies

In the event of an impending danger, the members of the pack, who first noticed the enemy, whistle shrilly to warn their kinsmen. Brown capuchins are most afraid of birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks. Also natural enemies of the fauns are jaguars, large snakes and other predatory animals. Mutual support in the Capuchin group helps them survive in the wild forests. Extinction to these intelligent primates does not threaten.