Capuchin Monkey

tool use · super smart · Central and South America · primates

Brilliant brains. Capuchins have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any nonhuman primate, which means their brains are huge compared to how big they are. This big brain helps them solve tricky problems and remember where all the best food sources are in their forest home.

Master tool users. Capuchins are famous for using tools, especially to crack open nuts that other monkeys cannot reach or open. They have evolved special skills to access foods that would be impossible for their primate cousins to eat.

Tropical forest home. These monkeys live in tropical forests across Central America and South America, from Costa Rica and Panama all the way south to northern Argentina, with the most living in Brazil. They prefer different forest types depending on where they live, from wet lowland forests to dry deciduous forests.

Social and complex. Capuchins live together in groups and their complex brain wiring helps them work together, communicate, and share knowledge about finding food. This social lifestyle is linked to their advanced problem-solving abilities.

Illegal pet trade threat. Unfortunately, capuchins are increasingly caught and sold as illegal pets, which harms wild populations and threatens their survival in nature.