Golden-bellied Capuchin

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iGolden-bellied Capuchin

Image:Status iucn3.1 CR.svg
Critically endangered (CR)<ref>Rylands et al (2003). Cebus xanthosternos. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is critically endangered </ref>

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Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Primates
Family:	Cebidae
Genus:	Cebus
Species:	C. xanthosternos

Binomial name

Cebus xanthosternos
Wied, 1826

The Golden-bellied Capuchin (Cebus xanthosternos),<ref name=MSW3>Groves, Colin (16 November 2005). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds): Mammal Species of the World, 3rd edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, 138. ISBN 0-801-88221-4.</ref> 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, C. xanthosternos is described as having a distinctive yellow to golden red chest, belly and upper arms.<ref name=PT>Groves, Colin P. (2001). Primate Taxonomy. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press. ISBN 1-56098-872-X.</ref> 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.<ref name=Mit>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</ref><ref name=PT/> Despite this previous classification, C. xanthosternos does not have very evident tufts, as they are oriented 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 São Francisco.<ref name=Coi>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.</ref>

Only 300 individuals survive.<ref>Information by the Zoo Cologne</ref>