A new addition to the toolbox: stone tool use in blonde capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius)

Geovana C B Lima ^1,2, Juliana C Lacerda ^1,2, Rick Taynor ^1,2

⁰Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Departamento de Zoologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Morais Rego, no. 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil.

Primates; Journal of Primatology +

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June 27, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Blonde capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius) in the Caatinga dry forest use stone tools to crack open hard nuts and fruits. This discovery adds to the known tool-using primate behaviors and highlights species adaptability.

Area Of Science

Primate behavior
Ethology
Primatology

Background

Tool use is a significant aspect of primate evolution and behavior.
Previous research documented tool use in capuchin monkeys, primarily for termite fishing.
The blonde capuchin monkey (Sapajus flavius) was known for stick-fishing but not stone tool use.

Purpose Of The Study

To present the first evidence of stone tool use by blonde capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius).
To document the dimensions and weight of the stone tools used.
To identify the food resources exploited using these tools.

Main Methods

Field observations were conducted in three areas of the Caatinga dry forest.
Stone tools (hammers and anvils) were measured for weight and dimensions.
Associated food items (fruits and nuts) were identified near anvil sites.
Instances of tool use were passively observed.

Main Results

The mean weight of hammer stones was 475.7 g.
Anvil stones had a mean height of 48.3 cm and a surface area of 1.2 m².
Observed tool use involved cracking Prunus dulces, Cnidoscolus quercifolius, and Syagrus coronate.
Six instances of stone tool use were documented, similar to Sapajus libidinosus.

Conclusions

Blonde capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius) utilize stone tools, expanding the known repertoire of this species.
This behavior demonstrates adaptability in exploiting resources within the Caatinga ecosystem.
Further research is needed to understand seasonal patterns and influencing factors on stone tool use.

Keywords:

Brazil Caatinga Nut cracking Versatility