Sapajus cay (Illiger, 1815)

Taxonomic Classification

Azara's capuchin monkey, scientifically named Sapajus cay (Illiger, 1815), is classified as one of the tufted capuchins.

Its characteristic tuft only fully develops after the individual reaches adulthood.

Sexual Maturity Age

Females reach sexual maturity at 4 to 5 years old, while males reach sexual maturity around 8 years old.

Lifespan

In captivity, individuals of this species can live up to 50 years, while the average lifespan in the wild is around 30 years.

Sexual Dimorphism in Size

This species shows slight sexual dimorphism, with males growing to a larger body size than females.

Weight Range

Females weigh between 1.4–3.4 kg (3.1–7.5 lb), and males weigh between 1.3–4.8 kg (2.9–10.6 lb).

Body Length

The average nose-to-tail height of an adult male is 0.8m, and females are slightly shorter.

Appendage Characteristics

They have long feet and long tails; their tails can reach half the length of their total body height.

Cranial Distinction

According to Silva, S. cay can be distinguished from other species in the Sapajus genus by its significantly smaller cranium size, even in adulthood.

Fur Coloration

They typically have medium-length fur that displays multiple different brown tones across the body.

Their limbs and tuft are usually a darker color than the rest of the body.

Distinctive Facial Markings

Compared to other Sapajus species, S. cay has a dark stripe of hair on the front of its ears that looks similar to sideburns.

Taxonomic Disagreement

There has been substantial disagreement about the true taxonomic classification of this species, due to its high morphological variability.

Morphological Variability

S. cay shows inter-population and intra-population polymorphism, as well as sexual dimorphism, and undergoes significant morphological changes across different life stages.

Genus Wide Distribution

Members of the Cebus and Sapajus genera, which include capuchin monkeys, generally live in the tropical and subtropical forests of South and Central America.

S. cay Population Range Size

While the group occupies a wide overall range, the current population of S. cay only resides across nearly 200 hectares (around 500 acres) of territory.

General Capuchin Habitat

The general habitat of capuchin monkeys is hot and humid year-round, with high annual precipitation and dense vegetation.

S. cay Habitat Flexibility

S. cay has high behavioral and ecological flexibility, which allows it to live in a wide range of habitats, including bushlands and savannas.

Country Distribution

The distribution of S. cay covers northern Argentina, southeastern Bolivia, and eastern Paraguay.

Brazil Distribution

It also inhabits Brazil, where it is found southwest of the Amazon, approximately south of the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, as well as southeast of Goiás state.

Argentina Distribution

Some populations of S. cay live in the Jujuy, Salta, Formosa and Chaco provinces of northern Argentina.

Paraguay Distribution

S. cay is the only representative of its genus established in Paraguay, where it occurs in the humid semi-deciduous Alto Parana Atlantic Forest.

General Behavioral Traits

S. cay is diurnal, opportunistic, omnivorous, and lives in social communities.

Foraging Behavior

Individuals travel throughout their territory to search for food.

Daily Activity Budget

Research shows these capuchins spend most of their time resting, travelling, and foraging.

Sex Based Diet Differences

While there are significant differences between male and female behavior, there are not many significant differences between male and female diet.