Brief Report
Use of a club by a wild white-faced capuchin (Cebus capucinus) to attack a venomous snake (Bothrops asper)
Article first published online: 3 JUN 2005
DOI: 10.1002/ajp.1350140208
Copyright © 1988 Wiley-Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company
Additional Information
How to Cite
Boinski, S. (1988), Use of a club by a wild white-faced capuchin (Cebus capucinus) to attack a venomous snake (Bothrops asper). American Journal of Primatology, 14: 177–179. doi: 10.1002/ajp.1350140208
Publication History
- Issue published online: 3 JUN 2005
- Article first published online: 3 JUN 2005
- Manuscript Revised: 6 SEP 1987
- Manuscript Received: 8 JUN 1987
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- tool use;
- primate predation;
- aggressive display
Abstract
In Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, an adult male Cebus capucinus was observed repeatedly hitting a venomous snake (Bothropsasper) with a branch. Initially a large dead branch overhanging the snake had been broken off in the course of aggressive displays to the snake by the adult and two subadult males. The snake's escape was apparently prevented by the weight of the fallen branch and possibly by the injuries caused by its fall. This is the first direct observation of a capuchin monkey in a natural habitat using a tool.