Golden-bellied Capuchin

The Golden-bellied Capuchin (Cebus xanthosternos), also known as the Yellow-breasted or Buffy-headed Capuchin, is one of several species of New World monkeys.

Although there are differences between individuals as well as between the sexes and across age groups Groves (2001) described C. xanthosternos, by noting its distinctive yellow to golden red chest, belly and upper arms. Its face is a light brown and its cap for which the Capuchins were first named is a dark brown/black or light brown. Formerly thought to be a subspecies of Tufted Capuchin (C. apella), it was elevated to the status of species by Mittermeier et al (1988), Groves (2001), and others. Despite this previous classification, C. xanthosternos does not have very evident tufts, as they are orientated towards the rear of the skull and are hardly noticeable. A band of short hair around the upper part of the face with speckled colouring contrasts with the darker surrounding areas. The limbs and tail are also darkly coloured.

Populations of C. xanthosternos are restricted to the Atlantic forest of southern Bahia, Brazil, due possibly to high degrees of interference from man. Historically they probably would have inhabited the entire area west of, and north to, the Rio Sao Francisco (Coimbra Filho, et al. 1991)

References

• Coimbra Filho, A. F., Ryland, A. B., Pissinatti, A., Santos, I. B. 1991/1992, The Distribution and Conservation of the buff headed Capuchin Monkey, Cebus xanthosternos, In the Atlantic Forest Region of Eastern Brazil. Primate Conservation 12–13, 24–30.
• Groves, C. P. 2001, Primate Taxonomy. Washington, DC; Smithsonian Institution Press.
• Mittermeier, R. A., Rylands, A. B., and Coimbra Filho, A, F. 1998, systematics: Species and Subspecies, an update. Ecology and Behaviour of Neotropical Primates, Volume 2. World Wide Fund. pp 13–75