Wild capuchin monkeys turn to lizards and snakes when fruit becomes scarce

In Brazil, capuchin monkeys exhibit remarkable adaptability by hunting small animals when fruit supplies dwindle. This shift highlights their versatile omnivorous diet and responsiveness to environmental changes. Interestingly, adult males were observed hunting vertebrates more often than younger females. Furthermore, when alternative food sources were available, the monkeys relied less on hunting, presenting intriguing implications for understanding the dietary evolution of early human ancestors.