Yellow-breasted Capuchin

Cebus xanthosternos

Yellow-breasted capuchins are among the most endangered monkey species in the world and, according to the IUCN Red List, are critically endangered.

Red List

Critically Endangered

Breeding programme

The main reason for the threats is the widespread destruction of the rainforests along Brazil’s Atlantic coast. The population has plummeted to fewer than 2,500 animals in recent years.

Although some yellow-breasted capuchins do live in protected areas, these are very small and not really suitable for their long-term survival.

As a first step, the Brazilian nature conservation authority confiscated illegally kept yellow-breasted capuchin monkeys and placed the animals in breeding groups. As a result, Zoo Zurich also received a group in 1996, which it has successfully bred ever since.

A breeding centre has been set up in Brazil, with Zoo Zurich contributing to its funding. In the longer term, the aim is to release juveniles from zoos and breeding centres in Brazil into the wild. However, this will require larger protected areas.

Taxonomy

Capuchin-like monkeys (Cebidae), capuchin monkeys (Sapajus, 8 species)

Habitat

Rainforest, dry forest

Behaviour and ecology

tree-dwelling, preferring the middle and lower layers of the tree canopy; rarely found on the ground

Social structure

in groups of up to 30 animals; social hierarchy within each sex