When Fruit Is Scarce, These Monkeys Hunt Animals

Bearded capuchins in Brazil primarily eat plants but shift to hunting small vertebrates like snakes, rodents, lizards, and birds when fruit becomes scarce, according to a study of over 5,000 hours of observations. The research reveals this dietary flexibility helps the monkeys cope with seasonal food shortages and may provide insights into how early human ancestors evolved to eat more meat. Males, particularly adults and juveniles, engage in this hunting behavior more frequently and prioritize eating nutrient-rich organs like brains and guts.