CONSERVATION STATUS
CITES:
Appendix II (http://www.cites.org)
IUCN Red List:
C. apella: LC; C. apella margaritae: CR B1+2abcde, C2a
(http://www.redlist.org)
The tufted capuchin is listed by the IUCN Red List as a species of least concern. This
means that it does not meet the Red List criteria for Critically Endangered, Endangered,
Vulnerable or Near Threatened classifications. Least concern species are typically plentiful
and widespread (http://www.redlist.org). The Margarita island tufted capuchin is listed by the
IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered (CR B1+2abcde, C2a) and faces high risk of extinction in
the wild in the immediate future. This designation also means that the extent of occurrence is
estimated to be less than 100 km² or the area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 10
km² and the population is severely fragmented or is known to exist only at one location.
Also, continuing decline is observed, inferred or projected in the extent of occurrence, the
area of occupancy, the area, extent and/or quality of habitat, the number of locations or
subpopulations, and the number of mature individuals. Finally, the Margarita subpopulation is
estimated to be less than 250 mature individuals and a continuing decline is observed, projected,
or inferred in numbers of mature individuals and population structure due to the population being
severely fragmented with no subpopulation estimated to contain more than 50 mature individuals
(http://www.redlist.org).
Photo: Roy Fontaine
Luckily, due to widespread occurrence, the tufted capuchin still maintains an extensive
distribution and habitat. As with other primates, the biggest threat to the tufted capuchin is
habitat loss and fragmentation. It is estimated that more than a fifth of the entire Amazonian
forest, the habitat of the tufted capuchin, has been destroyed (Fragaszy et al. 2004). Reasons
for destruction of the forest are varied, but include logging, agriculture and flooding for
hydroelectric power generation (Fragaszy et al. 2004). It is estimated that the minimum
contiguous forest area required to sustain a group of tufted capuchins is around 100 ha but
ideally the minimum is 1000 ha (Gilbert & Setz 2001). This area is likely larger in poorer
soil areas of the central Amazon and the minimum required habit size in the central Amazonian
terra firma forests
is likely around 23000 ha (Spironello 2001). Recently, infrastructure development and road
building plans in the Amazon have further expanded the potential for deforestation in some areas
of the tufted capuchin range as access will increase and economic development will expand (da
Silva et al. 2005). A regional system of protected areas is needed in Amazonia if unfettered
development is to be checked (da Silva et al. 2005).
The Margarita Island tufted capuchin, in addition to facing the same threats as the mainland
populations, has far fewer numbers and is critically endangered. Recently, an additional threat
to its numbers has been identified in escaped or released pet wedge-capped capuchins (Cebus
olivaceus) which have the potential to establish feral populations which compete for
the same resources as the tufted capuchins (Martinez et al. 2000).
CONSERVATION THREATS
Threat: Harvesting (hunting/gathering)
Hunting for food and as a crop pest of the tufted capuchin is also a significant threat to its
numbers. Fragmentation of tufted capuchin habitat also serves to bring the species into further
contact with people causing crop-raiding conflict as well as facilitating hunting access
(Fragaszy et al. 2004). In one instance, a village of indigenous Brazilians killed and consumed
over two hundred tufted capuchins in under a year (Nascimento & Peres cited in Chapman &
Peres 2001).
LINKS TO MORE ABOUT CONSERVATION
CONSERVATION INFORMATION
CONSERVATION NEWS
ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN Cebus apella CONSERVATION
Content last modified: April 10, 2007
Written by Kurt Gron.
Cite this page as:
Gron KJ. 2007 April 10. Primate Factsheets: Tufted capuchin (Cebus apella) Conservation. <http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/tufted_capuchin/cons>. Accessed 2008 May 13.
