The Complete Capuchin
The Biology of the Genus Cebus

Explores the complex nature of capuchins both in the wild and in captivity.

Dorothy M. Fragaszy (Author), Elisabetta Visalberghi (Author), Linda M. Fedigan (Author)

9780521667685, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 21 June 2004

356 pages, 87 b/w illus. 4 colour illus.
24.6 x 19 x 2 cm, 0.81 kg

"...an excellent contribution to the primatological literature. Highly recommended." L. Swedell, CUNY Queens College, CHOICE

Capuchin monkeys are one of the most widely distributed genera of primates in Central and South America. Capuchins captivate the imagination of scientists and the lay public alike with their creative and highly variable behaviour, their grace and power in action, and their highly developed social character. In this, the first scholarly book devoted to the biology of the genus Cebus (Primates: Platyrrhine), the taxonomy, distribution, life history, ecology, anatomy, development, perception, cognition, motor skills, social and sexual behaviour of these monkeys are summarised. The book also describes how humans have viewed, used and studied these monkeys from ancient times to the present. The authors explicitly organismic and inclusive treatment provides a picture in unparalleled detail of the capuchin over its lifetime for all those with an interest in these fascinating animals.

Preface
Acknowledgements
Prologue
Colour plates
Part I. Capuchins in Nature: 1. Taxonomy and distribution with Anthony Rylands
2. Behavioural ecology
3. Community ecology
4. Life history and demography
Part II. Behavioural Biology: 5. The body
6. Development
7. Motor skills
Part III. Behavioural Psychology: 8. Perceiving the world: memory and perception
9. Engaging the world: exploration and problem-solving
10. Fancy manipulators
11. Living together
12. Erotic artists
13. Learning together
Epilogue: The (in)complete capuchin
References
Appendices: I. Foods eaten
II. Field sites
III. Hematological and physiological values
IV. Brief list of management references.

Subject Areas: Primates [PSVW79], Animal behaviour [PSVP]