In Costa Rica, they can be found in a range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests and dry forests to mangroves. Their adaptability to different environments allows them to occupy a wide range of altitudes, from sea level up to around 2,000 meters (6,500 feet). Within these habitats, white-faced capuchins are arboreal creatures, spending most of their time in the trees.
White-faced capuchin monkeys utilize their environment in various ways to ensure their survival. They are omnivores with a diverse diet, including a variety of fruits, seeds, nuts, flowers, insects, and small vertebrates. Their sharp sense of smell and sight helps them locate food sources high up in the trees or on the forest floor. White-faced capuchin monkeys are known for their ability to use tools. They often use sticks or stones to get insects out from crevices or to crack open hard-shelled fruits and nuts. As they eat the fruits and nuts they find, white-faced capuchins play a key role in seed dispersal within their habitats. By consuming fruits and then dispersing the seeds through their feces, they contribute to forest regeneration and the maintenance of plant diversity.
White-faced capuchin monkeys face various threats in their natural habitats that can harm their populations. Deforestation and urban development are significant threats to the capuchins' natural habitats. As forests are cleared, the available habitat for these monkeys shrinks. Climate change also poses a threat to these monkeys by altering their habitats and affecting the availability of food.
