ISSN:
0032-8332
Keywords:
Pigtail macaques
;
Macaca nemestrina
;
Female hierarchy
;
Dominance attributes
;
Dominance validity
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract A group of six unrelated female pigtail macaques,Macaca nemestrina, of the same age, was studied in captivity over a period of five years. The animals were observed under six different situations, following changes in the social composition of the group. The following social interactions were recorded: withdrawal, attack, threat, presentation, mount, and grooming. Although behavioural rates varied for each period, their distribution network was remarkably consistent. Each subject could be assigned a rank, which remained stable over the six periods. From an analysis of the number of dyads in which one of the two animal significantly performed both paired behaviours more than the other animal (external validity), behaviours clustered into two main groups: (1) attacks, threats, and withdrawals; and (2) mounts, presentations, and grooming. Quantitative methods were performed to standardize the degree in which linearity, stability, reciprocity, and idiosyncrasy of the interactions under study may account for social variability. When considering these properties, the behaviours clustered in the same two groups (“agonistic” and “affinitive”). A method to describe the dominance style ofMacaca nemestrina was proposed, which can easily be replicated for comparisons with females of other primate species and in different conditions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02382748
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