Funded by: National Science Foundations, CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico), FAPESP (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo), Leakey Foundation, National Geographic, Ethoikos, and CNR (National Research Council)
Partners: University of São Paulo (Brazil), University of Georgia (Usa), Institute of Cognitive Science and Technology - CNR - Rome (Italy), Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (Usa)
Description: The EthoCebus project studies the nut-cracking behaviour of wild bearded capuchin monkeys linving in Piauì, Brazil.
Since January 2005, the EthoCebus research project studies the behavior and ecology of wild bearded capuchin monkeys (Cebus libidinosus) in the open woodland habitat of Piauì, Brazil. These monkeys routinely use stones to pound open palm and other hard fruits with stone hammers and anvils. This behaviour is similar to that observed in the wild chimpanzees of West Africa. The EthoCebus project aims to understand the nut-cracking behaviour of capuchin monkeys in ecological, developmental, social, physical, and historical contexts. The EthoCebus project opens a new opportunity for the comparative study of complex tool use in non human primates and human early ancestors.
I cebi, gli schiaccianoci del nuovo Millennio
