The Ecuadorian capuchin (Cebus aequatorialis), or Ecuadorian white-fronted capuchin is a species of gracile capuchin monkey of the family Cebidae. It was formerly classified as a subspecies of the white-fronted capuchin (C. albifrons). Mittermeier and Rylands elevated it to a separate species in 2013. The primary physical distinction between C. albifrons and C. aequatorialis is their coloration. Due to low density and distribution researchers have not been able to make a confident molecular genetic assessment of the C. aequatorialis population, but assign it species status based on geographical isolation, morphological characteristics, and the phylogenetic species concept. The location range of the Ecuadorian Capuchin is from Western lowland Ecuador to North West Peru. The conservation status of the Ecuadorian Capuchin was originally near threatened but was revised in 2008 by the IUCN to critically endangered due to the population's rapid decline. Anthropogenic factors such as habitat fragmentation from rapid deforestation, creation of agricultural lands, and persecution from farmers are to blame for the species' critically endangered status. Behavior Group Structure Ecuadorian Capuchins mainly live in multi-male, multi-female social groups. Social groups tend to hold around 13 individuals, with a range of 5-20. In an observational study, Campos and Jack found that female capuchins outnumbered the males and that there is a high immature to adult female proportion. New Behavior New behaviour has been recorded for the Ecuadorian Capuchin, Guerrero-Casado et al. state that this species was found in a new location of Ecuador within low tree cover which is unusual behaviour, as this species prefers high tree cover. From this study, results showed that during fall/winter when trees lost their leaves and when fruits have fallen, it forces the Ecuadorian Capuchin to come down to forage on the ground. Another reason for this new behaviour can originate from a decrease in food sources from up in trees or due to habitat fragmentation.Habitat fragmentation and environmental factors are forcing the Ecuadorian capuchin to change its behaviours as a coping mechanism to survive. Diet The Ecuadorian Capuchin has a varied diet, it includes insects, fruits, and other invertebrate species. In addition, they are known to eat the "base of epiphytic bromeliad leaves because they are tender" (p. 181).However the most important foods to the Ecuadorian capuchin diet is mainly composed of fruits and invertebrates. Habitat and Distribution Suitable habitat for the Ecuadorian Capuchin is determined to be a high percentage of tree cover