---
title: "Capuchin monkeys hunt prey when plant foods are scarce, study finds"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/tech/capuchin-monkeys-hunt-prey-when-plant-foods-are-scarce-study-finds"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/capuchin-monkeys-hunt-prey-when-plant-foods-are-scarce-study-finds"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/tech/capuchin-monkeys-hunt-prey-when-plant-foods-are-scarce-study-finds.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/capuchin-monkeys-hunt-prey-when-plant-foods-are-scarce-study-finds"
category: "Science & Tech"
published: "2026-08-28T15:46:23.174Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-28T14:00:00.000Z"
updated: "2026-08-28T15:46:23.174Z"
trust_score: 50
critic_score: 60
hype_score: 20
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-08-28T18:00:08.213322+00:00"
---

# Capuchin monkeys hunt prey when plant foods are scarce, study finds

*Research in Brazil observed the primates targeting lizards and rodents, with males hunting more often than females.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 50 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to a named study and researchers, with a specific journal cited.
- Craft 60 of 100, higher is better. The reporting clearly separates fact from comment and provides specific details about the study's findings.
- Hype 20 of 100, lower is better. The language used is measured and proportionate, with no sensationalism or manufactured urgency.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Capuchin monkeys hunt small animals, including lizards and rodents, when plant foods are less accessible.
- Male capuchin monkeys hunt prey more often and target more dangerous animals than females.
- The monkeys prioritise fat-dense tissues, preferring the brains and guts of their prey.
- The findings, from research in Brazil, may offer insights into the predatory habits of early human ancestors.

Bearded capuchin monkeys hunt small animals when plant foods are scarce, according to research published in the journal PLOS One. The study observed two groups of these monkeys in Fazenda Boa Vista, Brazil, between 2006 and 2010. Researchers documented 446 instances of the monkeys eating small animals, primarily lizards and rodents. The findings suggest this behaviour may mirror habits of early human ancestors.

Male capuchin monkeys were observed hunting prey more frequently and targeting more dangerous animals, such as snakes, compared to females. The monkeys tended to prefer the brains and guts of their prey, prioritising fat-dense tissues. The frequency of hunting increased when plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, were less accessible.

## Coverage comparison

The study was conducted by researchers from Sapienza University of Rome and Gorongosa National Park. It was published in PLOS One. The research observed two groups of bearded capuchins in Fazenda Boa Vista, Brazil, between 2006 and 2010.

## Omissions

None of the right-rated digests mention that the monkeys tend to prefer the brains and guts of prey, prioritising fat-dense tissues. None of the centre-rated digests mention that the monkeys tend to prefer the brains and guts of prey, prioritising fat-dense tissues. None of the left-rated digests mention that the monkeys tend to prefer the brains and guts of prey, prioritising fat-dense tissues.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 50 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 13% (6)
- Centre: 56% (29)
- Right: 31% (15)

6 of 56 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-28T18:00:08.213322+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 10 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-28T18:15:07.445Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Six left-rated reports mentioned that male capuchin monkeys hunt prey more often and go after more dangerous prey such as snakes. These reports included the Watauga Democrat, El Paso Inc., Daily Post-Athenian, The Laconia Daily Sun, Fairfield Sun Times, and ashepostandtimes.com. The El Paso Inc. and Fairfield Sun Times digests also noted that the monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit is scarce.

### Centre

- Nine centre-rated reports highlighted that male capuchin monkeys hunt prey more often and go after more dangerous prey such as snakes. These outlets included Phys.org, studyfinds.com, KULR-TV, ABC FOX Montana, KTEN, InsideNoVA.com, Columbia Gorge News, and Floyd Chronicle & Times. The Phys.org full report stated that the monkeys hunt prey when fruits and vegetables become scarce, potentially mirroring the habits of human ancestors. It also noted that males hunted more often and went after more dangerous prey like snakes.

### Right

- Seven right-rated reports mentioned that male capuchin monkeys hunt prey more often and go after more dangerous prey such as snakes. These outlets were Times of India, The Herald Palladium, The Elkhart Truth, Webster County Citizen, Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, The Mountain Press, and The Sanford Herald. The Times of India digest noted that adult males were observed hunting vertebrates more often.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 1
- high: 26
- unknown: 13
- veryHigh: 16

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Eurek Alert](https://eurekalert.org/news-releases/1140626) — When fruits and veggies are scarce, monkeys hunt for meat
- [Smithsonian Mag](https://smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/when-fruit-is-scarce-these-monkeys-hunt-animals-the-behavior-may-offer-clues-about-the-origins-of-humans-meat-eating-habits-180989412) — When Fruit Is Scarce, These Monkeys Hunt Animals. The Behavior May Offer Clues About the Origins of Humans' Meat-Eating Habits
- [Thelocalreport.in](https://articles.thelocalreport.in/scientists-watched-wild-capuchin-monkeys-for-45-months-and-recorded-around-280-vertebrate-eating-events-when-fruit-became-scarce-the-monkeys-increasingly-turned-to-lizards-snakes-and-other-animals) — Scientists watched wild capuchin monkeys for 45 months and recorded around 280 vertebrate-eating events; when fruit became scarce, the monkeys increasingly turned to lizards, snakes and other animals for food - THE LOCAL REPORT ARTICLES
- [Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/scientists-watched-wild-capuchin-monkeys-for-45-months-and-recorded-around-280-vertebrate-eating-events-when-fruit-became-scarce-the-monkeys-increasingly-turned-to-lizards-snakes-and-other-animals-for-food/articleshow/133585543.cms) — Scientists watched wild capuchin monkeys for 45 months and recorded around 280 vertebrate-eating events; when fruit became scarce, the monkeys increasingly turned to lizards, snakes and other animals for food
- [studyfinds.com](https://studyfinds.com/free-food-made-these-monkeys-nearly-quit-hunting-what-it-says-about-humans) — Free Food Made These Monkeys Nearly Quit Hunting, What It Says About Humans
- [KULR-TV](https://kulr8.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_761076b0-b6a2-5f8e-8f5b-cb398f66e095.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Watauga Democrat](https://wataugademocrat.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_ca363c71-4ba2-5729-be7e-9d9b67352d70.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [ABC FOX Montana](https://montanarightnow.com/national_news/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_5027a2e4-7767-5738-8758-967e176c9338.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [KTEN](https://kten.com/news/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_acee600e-f445-5273-b495-06cfd00a2278.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [El Paso Inc.](https://elpasoinc.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_95f77b87-c68e-526b-a332-ad6271b7168f.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Daily Post-Athenian](https://dailypostathenian.com/news/national/article_0752471b-2bda-5a62-bf37-144ded2f6751.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [InsideNoVA.com](https://insidenova.com/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_58ed68d8-665d-51bc-b903-11463136e9b2.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Columbia Gorge News](https://columbiagorgenews.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_9bdf90d9-4fce-57a3-912f-e7a16e9633bb.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Floyd Chronicle & Times](https://floydct.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_d923fb12-211e-5d7a-8b7a-bce7dca9eb39.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [KPVI](https://kpvi.com/interests/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_8318c781-9cc7-5f91-aa21-19d21fc61a42.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [The Herald Palladium](https://heraldpalladium.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_1223bc79-0a45-57b5-8cea-34dfdcb0628d.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [The Elkhart Truth](https://elkharttruth.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_bf4f8d6c-c575-5c3a-b30b-cf4044cd50d0.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Webster County Citizen](https://webstercountycitizen.com/news/national/article_7610f223-c149-56c0-bebb-08708cd067cc.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer](https://messenger-inquirer.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_13d7e0b8-a2df-5980-872f-bf6a22726f08.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [The Mountain Press](https://themountainpress.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_12fe129f-9f09-5bc3-b8eb-61d23bd93f1f.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Idaho County Free Press](https://idahocountyfreepress.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_099c58e7-77f4-57aa-bab1-525fecabfbd4.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [The Sanford Herald](https://sanfordherald.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_b58251cc-b67b-5a8b-ba60-56433e1cda9d.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [The Laconia Daily Sun](https://laconiadailysun.com/around_the_web/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_58bbe34d-925e-5ac6-8338-80fde136ba78.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Chronicle-Tribune](https://chronicle-tribune.com/news/wire/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_96b65eb4-8584-5b87-a35e-284a017eac85.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Leader Publications](https://myleaderpaper.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_04ed1453-18f9-5077-96b0-a2c328347f9a.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Shelby News](https://shelbynews.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_2c111270-458c-5067-b1ee-027a23d896d3.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Sunnyside Sun](https://sunnysidesun.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_cbbd70ca-41c5-5e15-a6d8-af0434d39542.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [The Messenger](https://the-messenger.com/news/national/article_de2576ab-b3cd-5197-bdaf-e513655e92a7.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Tioga Publishing](https://tiogapublishing.com/news/nation/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_62eb133f-27ab-5086-91dd-d25c8bf0e428.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [News-Graphic.com](https://news-graphic.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_e823f356-362b-576c-9197-ddaf4e2c08b2.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Fairfield Sun Times](https://fairfieldsuntimes.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_16f0699e-1b2c-5b6e-952c-14d4380ecdff.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Rochester Sentinel](https://rochsent.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_c39e445c-893b-50ea-b371-7ba9f581c4ae.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Mountain Democrat](https://mtdemocrat.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_f5984b85-eabe-5b69-9da8-277e84129c24.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Griffin Daily News](https://griffindailynews.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_8a6e0dd8-498b-5b02-9909-bfa254f951e4.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [The Conway Daily Sun](https://conwaydailysun.com/around_the_web/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_2732aa0e-f323-5917-bfc7-c392609f98dc.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [The Daily Herald](https://rrdailyherald.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_f38d8032-0915-56cc-8926-2e7a581b6583.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [hazard-herald.com](https://hazard-herald.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_07c6e7fb-0f98-5cd4-8296-d9cf5ef273cb.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Purdue Exponent](https://purdueexponent.org/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_7c1b884c-9de7-5830-875d-c8e4b93103ce.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Delaware Business Now](https://delawarebusinessnow.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_7567ab7f-489a-5e8f-a351-eb186d7cb264.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [ashepostandtimes.com](https://ashepostandtimes.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_8b953de6-5480-58b3-8de3-641d954fb029.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [The Guam Daily Post](https://postguam.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_663ba0a1-5400-5940-aa87-d440ef184052.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [KTBS](https://ktbs.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_23b71525-107d-5d8c-9c23-c83dbf02aad4.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [iosconews.com](https://iosconews.com/news/nation/article_3fcc6f6d-c553-5958-9197-264ca98d1b76.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [Ashley County Ledger](https://ashleycountyledger.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_e4a99bbd-890e-568d-ad8d-e4ba17062ff5.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [stonecountyenterprise.com](https://stonecountyenterprise.com/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_97d2b2d3-bcfd-5e19-bd9b-5e819e7332d9.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [griffonnews.com](https://griffonnews.com/news/nation/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_5c7a424f-cf29-527d-a3d3-ca12aaac9038.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [The Penn](https://thepenn.org/news/national/monkeys-hunt-animals-like-lizards-and-snakes-when-fruit-scarce/article_93247967-60a9-5010-9b6e-e33e1e8b3e27.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [charitonleader.com](https://charitonleader.com/news/national/article_f498c382-d2b6-5c95-9265-5e1e2a999d6c.html) — Monkeys hunt animals like lizards and snakes when fruit scarce
- [La Brújula Verde](https://labrujulaverde.com/2026/08/los-monos-capuchinos-ya-cazan-otros-animales-cuando-escasean-las-frutas-igual-que-los-primeros-ancestros-humanos) — Capuchin Monkeys Already Hunt Other Animals when Fruits Are Scarce Just Like the First Human Ancestors
- [Publico](https://publico.pt/2026/08/27/ciencia/noticia/frutas-vegetais-escasseiam-macacos-cacam-presas-alimentamse-carne-2186018) — When Fruits and Vegetables Are Scarce, Monkeys Hunt Prey and Feed on the Meat.
- [Issuesfr](https://issues.fr/les-singes-chassent-les-petits-animaux-lorsque-les-fruits-sont-rares) — Monkeys Hunt Small Animals when Fruit Is Scarce
- [Discover Magazine](https://discovermagazine.com/capuchin-monkeys-hunt-small-vertebrates-when-fruit-runs-low-eating-brains-and-organs-first-49599) — Capuchin Monkeys Hunt Small Vertebrates When Fruit Runs Low, Eating Brains and Organs First
- [연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency](https://yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260826156400017) — [SciTech+] Monkeys as Clues to Human Carnivory?… "Hunted Small Animals When Fruit Was Scarce"
- [Discover Wildlife](https://discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/capuchin-monkeys-eating-meat) — These monkeys turn into meat-eaters when plants are scarce. There’s something very human about it, says scientists
- [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-fruits-veggies-scarce-monkeys-meat.html) — When fruits and veggies are scarce, monkeys hunt for meat
- [Science News](https://sciencenews.org/article/monkeys-hunt-small-animals-fruit-scarce) — Monkeys hunt small animals when fruit is scarce

## Questions

**What do capuchin monkeys eat when plant foods are scarce?**

When fruits and vegetables are scarce, capuchin monkeys hunt and eat small animals, primarily lizards and rodents. They tend to prefer the fat-dense brains and guts of their prey.

**Do male and female capuchin monkeys hunt differently?**

Yes, male capuchin monkeys hunt prey more often and target more dangerous animals, such as snakes, compared to females. This difference was observed during research in Brazil.

**Where was the study on capuchin monkey hunting conducted?**

The study was conducted in Fazenda Boa Vista, Brazil, observing two groups of bearded capuchin monkeys between 2006 and 2010. The research was published in the journal PLOS One.

---

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