First record of tool use by a wild population of Cebus albifrons (Humboldt, 1812) (Primates, Cebidae) in Puerto Misahuallí, Napo, Ecuador Paola Araujo E.1,3, Gabriel A. Carrillo B.1,2,3, William Ramirez4, Sofia Blue4, Andrea Chávez5, Nathalí Haro5, Cinthya García R.1,3, Natalia Bravo C.6, Sofía Castro4, Alexandra Hernández H.1, Andrés Prado A.1,3, Steven Wagner7, Sarah Martin-Solano3,4,5,8*

Abstract

ABSTRACT
At a national level, studies on ecology, behavior, and conservation status for Cebus
albifrons species are limited. Just a few species of non-human primates have been
recorded using tools in the wild. To obtain detailed observations of tool use we
used an observation methodology adopted for this study aimed to record tool use
occurrences for Cebus albifrons in 2011, 2017 and 2018 in Puerto Misahuallí in Napo,
Ecuador in accordance with our protocol. It is based on data gathered through
direct ad libitum observations, photographs, and videos from the study group.
Adult and juvenile males use stones for nut-cracking (food extraction) and dig in
Araujo E., P. et al. First record of tool use by Cebus albifrons in Misahuallí, Ecuador.
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the sand, and manipulate man-made objects such as lighters and water bottles.
This study allows us to report, for the first time, that Cebus albifrons (white-faced
capuchin) is a species of primate that is skilled in the use of tools. This research
analyzed the evidence produced to demonstrate that individuals of the Cebus
albifrons species group can use different types of tools to achieve a specific
objective.
Key words.- behavior, manipulation, nut-cracking, primates, urban wildlife.