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Schembari S, Miller C, Roberts SJ, Cords M. Female Mate Choice in Wild Kenyan Blue Monkeys ( Cercopithecus mitis). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1589. [PMID: 38891636 PMCID: PMC11171077 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Female mate choice may drive sexual selection, but discerning whether female behaviors reflect free expression of choice or responses to constraints can be difficult. We investigated the efficacy of female choice in wild blue monkeys using 10 years of behavior and paternity data (N = 178 male-female dyads). Although blue monkeys live modally in one-male polygynous groups, where male-biased intersexual power is expected, females can access multiple potential mates during seasonal male influxes and occasional intergroup encounters. Additionally, extra-group males sire offspring. We examined female resistance rates to male-initiated sexual interactions, and unsolicited proceptive behavior that females directed to males (corrected for male availability). Females seldom resisted male solicitation, but initiated sexual interactions more than males. Females generally preferred residents. Those who preferred non-residents tended to have residents with longer tenures, but neither female parity nor rank influenced the tendency to prefer non-residents vs. residents. The male most solicited by a particular female fathered that female's infant 82% of the time; odds of siring were 26 times higher for most vs. nonpreferred males. Female preference predicted paternity even more strongly among non-resident males, with odds of siring 33 times higher for most vs. nonpreferred non-residents. Neither female rank nor parity influenced her likelihood of having her preferred partner as sire. Paternity by preferred males did not affect infant survival. While we cannot fully discount the effect of male-male competition on paternity, these results suggest that blue monkey females can exercise choice successfully, even in a polygynous mating system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Schembari
- Department of Ecology, Evolution & Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 10th Floor, Schermerhorn Extension, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA; (S.S.); (C.M.); (S.-J.R.)
| | - Caitlin Miller
- Department of Ecology, Evolution & Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 10th Floor, Schermerhorn Extension, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA; (S.S.); (C.M.); (S.-J.R.)
| | - Su-Jen Roberts
- Department of Ecology, Evolution & Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 10th Floor, Schermerhorn Extension, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA; (S.S.); (C.M.); (S.-J.R.)
- The New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Marina Cords
- Department of Ecology, Evolution & Environmental Biology, Columbia University, 10th Floor, Schermerhorn Extension, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA; (S.S.); (C.M.); (S.-J.R.)
- The New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Milich KM. Male-philopatric nonhuman primates and their potential role in understanding the evolution of human sociality. Evol Anthropol 2024; 33:e22014. [PMID: 38109039 DOI: 10.1002/evan.22014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
In most primate species, males transfer out of their natal groups, resulting in groups of unrelated males. However, in a few species, including humans, males remain in their groups and form life-long associations with each other. This pattern of male philopatry is linked with cooperative male behaviors, including border patrols and predator defense. Because females in male-philopatric species form weaker kin networks with each other than in female-philopatric species, they are expected to evolve counter-strategies to male sexual coercion that are relatively independent of support from other females. Studies of male-philopatric nonhuman primates can provide insight into the evolutionary basis of prosocial behaviors, cooperation, and group action in humans and offer comparative models for understanding the sociality of other hominin species. This review will discuss patterns of dispersal and philopatry across primates, explore the resulting male and female behaviors, and argue that male-philopatric nonhuman primate species offer insight into the social and sexual dynamics of hominins throughout evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista M Milich
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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3
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Judson K, Sanz C, Ebombi TF, Massamba JM, Teberd P, Abea G, Mbebouti G, Matoumona JKB, Nkoussou EG, Zambarda A, Brogan S, Stephens C, Morgan D. Socioecological factors influencing intraspecific variation in ranging dynamics of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in Ndoki Forest. Am J Primatol 2024; 86:e23586. [PMID: 38151775 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Ranging dynamics are physical and behavioral representations of how different socioecological factors affect an organism's spatial decisions and space use strategies. Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are a model species to investigate the drivers of spatial dynamics based on both the natural variation in socioecological factors within the species and compared with their mountain gorilla counterparts. In this study, we evaluate the influences of resource seasonality and social dynamics on variation in home range size, utilization, and intergroup overlap among multiple gorilla groups over an 8-year study period in the northern Republic of Congo. This study shows that western lowland gorillas can have small home ranges comparable to mountain gorillas, rather than universally larger home ranges as previously supposed, and that home ranges are stable through time. The largest source of variation in space use was the degree of intergroup home range overlap. The study groups did not demonstrate intraspecific variation in range size nor changes in intergroup overlap with respect to seasonality of fruit resources, but all groups demonstrated expansion of monthly range and core area with group size, matching predictions of intragroup feeding competition. These findings highlight the potential impact of intergroup relationships on space use and prompt further research on the role of social dynamics in ranging strategies. In this study, we reveal a greater degree of variability and flexibility in gorilla ranging behavior than previously realized which is relevant to improving comparative studies and informing conservation strategies on behalf of these endangered primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Judson
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Crickette Sanz
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | | | - Jean Marie Massamba
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Prospère Teberd
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Gaston Abea
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Gaeton Mbebouti
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | | | | | - Alice Zambarda
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Sean Brogan
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Colleen Stephens
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David Morgan
- Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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van Noordwijk MA, LaBarge LR, Kunz JA, Marzec AM, Spillmann B, Ackermann C, Rianti P, Vogel ER, Atmoko SSU, Kruetzen M, van Schaik CP. Reproductive success of Bornean orangutan males: scattered in time but clustered in space. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2023; 77:134. [PMID: 38076722 PMCID: PMC10700224 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-023-03407-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Abstract The social and mating systems of orangutans, one of our closest relatives, remain poorly understood. Orangutans (Pongo spp.) are highly sexually dimorphic and females are philopatric and maintain individual, but overlapping home ranges, whereas males disperse, are non-territorial and wide-ranging, and show bimaturism, with many years between reaching sexual maturity and attaining full secondary sexual characteristics (including cheek pads (flanges) and emitting long calls). We report on 21 assigned paternities, among 35 flanged and 15 unflanged, genotyped male Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii), studied from 2003 to 2018 in Tuanan (Central Kalimantan, Indonesia). All 10 infants born since mid-2003 with an already identified sire were sired by flanged males. All adult males ranged well beyond the study area (c. 1000 ha), and their dominance relations fluctuated even within short periods. However, 5 of the 10 identified sires had multiple offspring within the monitored area. Several sired over a period of c. 10 years, which overlapped with siring periods of other males. The long-calling behavior of sires indicated they were not consistently dominant over other males in the area around the time of known conceptions. Instead, when they were seen in the area, the known sires spent most of their time within the home ranges of the females whose offspring they sired. Overall, successful sires were older and more often resident than others. Significance statement It is difficult to assess reproductive success for individuals of long-lived species, especially for dispersing males, who cannot be monitored throughout their lives. Due to extremely long interbirth intervals, orangutans have highly male-skewed operational sex ratios and thus intensive male-male competition for every conception. Paternity analyses matched 21 immature Bornean orangutans with their most likely sire (only 10 of 50 genotyped males) in a natural population. Half of these identified sires had multiple offspring in the study area spread over periods of at least 10 years, despite frequently ranging outside this area. Dominance was a poor predictor of success, but, consistent with female mating tactics to reduce the risk of infanticide, known "sires" tended to have relatively high local presence, which seems to contribute to the males' siring success. The results highlight the importance of large protected areas to enable a natural pattern of dispersal and ranging. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00265-023-03407-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. van Noordwijk
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Comparative Socio-Ecology Group, May Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Laura R. LaBarge
- Comparative Socio-Ecology Group, May Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Julia A. Kunz
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute des Sciences de l’Evolution Montpellier, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anna M. Marzec
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Brigitte Spillmann
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Ackermann
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Puji Rianti
- Division of Animal Biosystematics and Ecology, Department of Biology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
- Primate Research Center, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Erin R. Vogel
- Department of Anthropology, Center for Human Evolution Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, USA
| | | | - Michael Kruetzen
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Carel P. van Schaik
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Comparative Socio-Ecology Group, May Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz, Germany
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (ISLE), University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Morrison RE, Ndayishimiye E, Stoinski TS, Eckardt W. Multiple mechanisms for inbreeding avoidance used simultaneously in a wild ape. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231808. [PMID: 37848059 PMCID: PMC10581766 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mating with close kin can have considerable negative fitness consequences, which are expected to result in selective pressure for inbreeding avoidance mechanisms, such as dispersal, mate choice and post-copulatory biases. Captive studies have suggested that inbreeding avoidance through mate choice is far less widespread than expected and may be absent where other mechanisms already limit inbreeding. However, few studies have examined multiple mechanisms of inbreeding avoidance simultaneously, particularly in the wild. We use 13 years of detailed dispersal, copulation and paternity data from mountain gorillas to examine inbreeding avoidance. We find that partial dispersal of both sexes results in high kinship in multimale groups, but that copulations between close kin occur 40% less than expected. We find strong kin discrimination in mate choice, with significant avoidance of maternal kin but more limited avoidance of paternal kin. We find no evidence for post-copulatory inbreeding avoidance. Our analyses support familiarity-based mechanisms of kin identification and age-based avoidance that limits mating between fathers and daughters in their natal group. Our findings demonstrate that multiple complementary mechanisms for inbreeding avoidance can evolve in a single species and suggest that inbreeding avoidance through mate choice may enable more flexible dispersal systems to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin E. Morrison
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Musanze, Rwanda
- Human Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Robbins MM, Akantorana M, Arinaitwe J, Breuer T, Manguette M, McFarlin S, Meder A, Parnell R, Richardson JL, Stephan C, Stokes EJ, Stoinski TS, Vecellio V, Robbins AM. Comparative life history patterns of female gorillas. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023; 181:564-574. [PMID: 37345324 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Several theories have been proposed to explain the impact of ecological conditions on differences in life history variables within and between species. Here we compare female life history parameters of one western lowland gorilla population (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and two mountain gorilla populations (Gorilla beringei beringei). MATERIALS AND METHODS We compared the age of natal dispersal, age of first birth, interbirth interval, and birth rates using long-term demographic datasets from Mbeli Bai (western gorillas), Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Massif (mountain gorillas). RESULTS The Mbeli western gorillas had the latest age at first birth, longest interbirth interval, and slowest surviving birth rate compared to the Virunga mountain gorillas. Bwindi mountain gorillas were intermediate in their life history patterns. DISCUSSION These patterns are consistent with differences in feeding ecology across sites. However, it is not possible to determine the evolutionary mechanisms responsible for these differences, whether a consequence of genetic adaptation to fluctuating food supplies ("ecological risk aversion hypothesis") or phenotypic plasticity in response to the abundance of food ("energy balance hypothesis"). Our results do not seem consistent with the extrinsic mortality risks at each site, but current conditions for mountain gorillas are unlikely to match their evolutionary history. Not all traits fell along the expected fast-slow continuum, which illustrates that they can vary independently from each other ("modularity model"). Thus, the life history traits of each gorilla population may reflect a complex interplay of multiple ecological influences that are operating through both genetic adaptations and phenotypic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha M Robbins
- Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Moses Akantorana
- Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Breuer
- Mbeli Bai Study, Wildlife Conservation Society Congo Program, Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- World Wide Fund for Nature, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie Manguette
- Mbeli Bai Study, Wildlife Conservation Society Congo Program, Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Shannon McFarlin
- Department of Anthropology, Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Angela Meder
- Berggorilla Regenwald Direkthilfe, Hoevelhof, Germany
| | - Richard Parnell
- Mbeli Bai Study, Wildlife Conservation Society Congo Program, Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jack L Richardson
- Department of Anthropology, Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Claudia Stephan
- Mbeli Bai Study, Wildlife Conservation Society Congo Program, Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Nouabalé-Ndoki Foundation, Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Emma J Stokes
- Mbeli Bai Study, Wildlife Conservation Society Congo Program, Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Tara S Stoinski
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Andrew M Robbins
- Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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Young C, Robbins MM. Association patterns of female gorillas. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20210429. [PMID: 36440560 PMCID: PMC9703218 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Social interactions ultimately impact health and fitness in gregarious mammals. However, research focusing on the strength of affiliative interactions has primarily been conducted on female philopatric species. Gorillas provide an interesting counterpoint to previous research as females emigrate multiple times throughout their lives. We compare female-female association strength, duration and consistency in wild mountain (Gorilla beringei beringei) and western gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Additionally, we examine whether the alpha male influences female association strength and if these associations are an artefact of both females concurrently in spatial proximity of the alpha male. In this between-species comparison, female gorillas had differentiated association patterns that were consistent on average for 2 years. The alpha males did not influence female association strength, with associations being similar in his presence or absence. Finally, we found more variability in association patterns among mountain gorillas with higher average association scores and higher proportion of 'preferred associates' than western gorillas. The rare dispersal pattern in the Gorilla genus may lead to greater flexibility in female association patterns than in species exhibiting female philopatry and strong kinship bonds. This may echo ancestral human society and provide new evidence to help us understand the evolution of modern human society. This article is part of the theme issue 'Cooperation among women: evolutionary and cross-cultural perspectives'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Young
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martha M. Robbins
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Urinary oxytocin and cortisol concentrations vary by group type in male western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in North American zoos. Primates 2023; 64:65-77. [PMID: 36472720 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-022-01037-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Evaluating how primates in human care function within their social environment is important for understanding and optimizing their management and welfare. The neuroendocrine hormone oxytocin is associated with affiliation and bonding, suggesting it can be used to evaluate the affiliative nature of social groupings. When paired with cortisol concentrations, social stressors can simultaneously be assessed, providing a more complete picture of primate social environments than if measuring either hormone independently. Here, we measured both oxytocin and cortisol in urine within a large subset of male western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla; n = 71) living in North American zoos. Both endocrine measures were compared between social group types, with an emphasis on comparing bachelor and mixed-sex groupings to understand how these broad management practices affect male gorillas in zoos. Oxytocin concentrations were greater in bachelor group males than mixed-sex group males and singly housed males, providing physiological evidence that males in bachelor groups form comparatively stronger affiliative relationships than males in other group types. Cortisol concentrations did not differ between bachelor and mixed-sex group males and males in both group types had lower cortisol concentrations than singly housed males. These results indicate that males are similarly capable of coping with group-specific social stressors, and single management may expose males to additional stressors for which further study is needed. These data contribute to a larger body of research highlighting the value of bachelor groups from both a population management and individual welfare perspective.
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Weerawansha N, Wang Q, He XZ. A haplodiploid mite adjusts fecundity and sex ratio in response to density changes during the reproductive period. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 88:277-288. [PMID: 36242724 PMCID: PMC9732065 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00749-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Population density is one of the main socio-environmental factors that have critical impacts on reproduction of animals. Consequently, they need to adjust their reproductive strategies in response to changes of local population density. In this study we used a haplodiploid spider mite, Tetranychus ludeni Zacher (Acari: Tetranychidae), to test how population density dynamics during the reproductive period altered female reproductive performance. We demonstrate that females produced fewer eggs with a significantly higher female-biased sex ratio in dense populations. Reducing fecundity and increasing daughter production in a dense environment could be an advantageous strategy to minimise the intensity of local food competition. However, females also reduced their fecundity after arrival in a new site of larger area from a dense population, which may be associated with higher web production costs because females need to produce more webs to cover the larger area. There was no trade-off between egg number and size, and egg size had little impact on reproductive fitness. Therefore, T. ludeni females could adapt to the shift of population density during their reproductive period by manipulating the fecundity and offspring sex ratio but not the egg size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuwan Weerawansha
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Passara Road, Badulla, 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Qiao Wang
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Xiong Zhao He
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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10
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Morrison RE, Hirwa JP, Ndagijimana F, Vecellio V, Eckardt W, Stoinski TS. Cascading effects of social dynamics on the reproduction, survival, and population growth of mountain gorillas. Anim Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. E. Morrison
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Kinigi Rwanda
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Department of Psychology University of Exeter Exeter UK
| | - J. P. Hirwa
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Kinigi Rwanda
| | - F. Ndagijimana
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Kinigi Rwanda
| | - V. Vecellio
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Kinigi Rwanda
| | - W. Eckardt
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Kinigi Rwanda
| | - T. S. Stoinski
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Kinigi Rwanda
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Wellens KR, Lee SM, Winans JC, Pusey AE, Murray CM. Female chimpanzee associations with male kin: trade-offs between inbreeding avoidance and infanticide protection. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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12
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Toda K, Mouri K, Ryu H, Sakamaki T, Tokuyama N, Yokoyama T, Shibata S, Poiret ML, Shimizu K, Hashimoto C, Furuichi T. Do female bonobos (Pan paniscus) disperse at the onset of puberty? Hormonal and behavioral changes related to their dispersal timing. Horm Behav 2022; 142:105159. [PMID: 35462131 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Natal dispersal is a milestone in an animal's life history, but its timing in developmental trajectories may differ between species. Although the two Pan species exhibit a similar pattern of female-biased dispersal, female bonobos (P. paniscus) leave their natal groups at an earlier age than female chimpanzees (P. troglodytes). As a preliminary step to explore the dispersal strategies of female bonobos, this study aimed to determine the relations of sexual swelling development, behavioral and hormonal activation, and first ovulation relative to dispersal timing. We measured levels of urinary estrone conjugates (E1C) and pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) from 14 nulliparous females in wild bonobo groups at Wamba in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and recorded their copulations with mature males. When close to dispersal, female bonobos exhibited swelling of the sexual skin (labia minora and perianal region) that did not reach the mature stage. Urinary E1C levels and copulation rates increased slightly before dispersal and greatly increased after dispersal. Ovulatory or gestatory signs implied by daily hormone profiles were not detected until one to two years after dispersal. Our findings indicate that female bonobos disperse at an early pubertal stage before ovulatory cycling is established. This earlier dispersal than sexual maturation could allow female bonobos to postpone reproduction-related energy costs until they become familiar with their new group or gain more time finding the group more suitable for successful reproduction in the future before actually settling. Further demographic and genetic data from dispersal to reproduction will help clarify their dispersal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Toda
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kanrin 41, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan.
| | - Keiko Mouri
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kanrin 41, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan
| | - Heungjin Ryu
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kanrin 41, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan; School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, UNIST-gil 50, Eonyang-eup, Ulju, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Tetsuya Sakamaki
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kanrin 41, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan; Antwerp Zoo Foundation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Koningin Astridplein 26, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Nahoko Tokuyama
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kanrin 41, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan; Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Tanaka-Sekiden-cho 2-24, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takumasa Yokoyama
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kanrin 41, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan
| | - Shohei Shibata
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kanrin 41, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan
| | - Marie-Laure Poiret
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Upper Mountjoy, South Rd, United Kingdom
| | - Keiko Shimizu
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University of Science, Okayama 700-0005, Japan
| | - Chie Hashimoto
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kanrin 41, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan
| | - Takeshi Furuichi
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kanrin 41, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan
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13
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Cordoni G, Pirarba L, Elies S, Demuru E, Guéry JP, Norscia I. Adult-adult play in captive lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Primates 2022; 63:225-235. [PMID: 35192080 PMCID: PMC9061689 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-022-00973-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Among African great apes, play is virtually absent between adult lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Here, we report an extremely rare case of adult-adult play observed in the lowland gorilla group housed at La Vallée de Singes (France). We recorded three playful interactions between the silverback and an adult lactating female. Given the diverse causal and functional nature of play, different factors may join in promoting this behaviour. In our group, contrary to what has been shown by previous studies in wild and captive gorillas, adult females spent more time in spatial proximity with the silverback than with other females. Hence, the probability of social interaction (including play) between silverback and adult females was enhanced. Moreover, the motivation of the lactating female to play might be an effect of oxytocin, a hormone that reaches high concentration levels during lactation and that promotes social affiliation. The fact that play invitations were always performed by the female might support this hypothesis. Certainly, we cannot exclude the possibility that the play event is a group idiosyncrasy or an artefact of captivity, even though the subjects never showed abnormal behaviour. Structurally, play sessions showed a suitable degree of pattern variability and switching frequency from one pattern to another. The proportion of offensive patterns was higher in the female during play and in the male during aggression, which conforms to the role reversal play phenomenon. In conclusion, this report confirms that the absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence. It is likely that under particular physiological or socio-ecological conditions, adult-adult play may be manifested as an "unconventional" part of gorilla social behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Cordoni
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Torino, 10123, Torino, Italy.
| | - Luca Pirarba
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Torino, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Demuru
- Laboratoire Dynamique Du Langage, CNRS UMR5596, University of Lyon 2, Lyon, France.,Equipe de Neuro-Ethologie Sensorielle, ENES/CRNL, CNRS UMR 5292, Inserm UMR S 1028, University of Lyon/Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | | | - Ivan Norscia
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Torino, 10123, Torino, Italy
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14
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Van Belle S, Di Fiore A. Dispersal patterns in black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra): Integrating multiyear demographic and molecular data. Mol Ecol 2021; 31:391-406. [PMID: 34661321 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dispersal is a fundamental process in the functioning of animal societies as it regulates the degree to which closely related individuals are spatially concentrated. A species' dispersal pattern can be complex as it emerges from individuals' decisions shaped by the cost-benefit tradeoffs associated with either remaining in the natal group or dispersing. Given the potential complexity, combining long-term demographic information with molecular data can provide important insights into dispersal patterns of a species. Based on a 15-year study that integrates multiyear demographic data on six groups with longitudinal and cross-sectional genetic sampling of 20 groups (N = 169 individuals, N = 21 polymorphic microsatellite loci), we describe the various dispersal strategies of male and female black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) inhabiting Palenque National Park, Mexico. Genetically confirmed dispersal events (N = 21 of 59 males; N = 6 of 65 females) together with spatial autocorrelation analyses revealed that the dispersal pattern of black howlers is bisexual with strong sex-biases in both dispersal rate (males disperse more often than females) and dispersal distance (females disperse farther than males). Observational and genetic data confirm that both males and females can successfully immigrate into established groups, as well as form new groups with other dispersing individuals. Additionally, both males and females may disperse singly, as well as in pairs, and both may also disperse secondarily. Overall, our findings suggest multiple dispersal trajectories for black howler males and females, and longer multiyear studies are needed to unravel which demographic, ecological and social factors underlie individuals' decisions about whether to disperse and which dispersal options to take.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarie Van Belle
- Department of Anthropology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Anthony Di Fiore
- Department of Anthropology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.,Tiputini Biodiversity Station, College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Cumbayá, Ecuador
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15
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Xia W, Grueter CC, Ren B, Zhang D, Yuan X, Li D. Determinants of Harem Size in a Polygynous Primate: Reproductive Success and Social Benefits. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102915. [PMID: 34679936 PMCID: PMC8532613 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We used long-term data on the variation in harem size in Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys to research the effects of harem size on reproductive success and the ratio of grooming received to given (RGRG). The results suggest that harem holders derive reproductive benefits commensurate with harem size, whereas the females' reproductive success is unaffected by harem size. Males of larger harems groomed less and had higher RGRG than males of smaller harems. In the case of females, grooming given increased, and RGRG decreased with an increase in harem size. The males' reproductive success seems to be a driver of harem size maximization. From the females' perspective, dwindling social benefits appear to set the upper limit for harem enlargement. We also showed that males of monogamous units ('single-female harems') invested more into grooming their female, presumably to prevent unit disintegration and loss of mating privileges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wancai Xia
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China;
- Institute of Rare Animals and Plants, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Cyril C. Grueter
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia;
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- International Centre of Biodiversity and Primate Conservation, Dali University, Dali 671003, China
| | - Baoping Ren
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
| | - Dejun Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, China; (D.Z.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xiaoxia Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, China; (D.Z.); (X.Y.)
| | - Dayong Li
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China;
- Institute of Rare Animals and Plants, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Correspondence:
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16
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Leeds A, Boyer D, Ross SR, Lukas KE. Patterns of wounding in mixed-sex social groups of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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17
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Infant survival in western lowland gorillas after voluntary dispersal by pregnant females. Primates 2020; 61:743-749. [PMID: 32720106 PMCID: PMC7599133 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-020-00844-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In many social species, after the alpha male has been replaced or the group disintegrates, a female’s infant is at risk of infanticide by a male. Female gorillas have developed the rare strategy of secondary dispersal in which they transfer between reproductive groups during the limited time period between weaning an infant and conceiving the next one (voluntary dispersal). By doing so they leave a weaker silverback near the end of his tenure and join a stronger silverback at an earlier stage of his own tenure, thereby mitigating the risk of infanticide if the former dies. If females are pregnant or have unweaned offspring when the only male in the group dies, their offspring are vulnerable to infanticide by the new silverback that they join (via involuntary dispersal). In the few known cases of female gorillas transferring when pregnant (mainly after group disintegration), their offspring were killed. We report here on three adult females that transferred voluntarily while pregnant multiple times between two groups yet their offspring were not killed by the new group’s silverback. The gorillas were observed from 1995 to 2015 at the Mbeli Bai research site in northern Republic of the Congo. The females gave birth 5–6 months (gestation period 8.5 months) after their last transfer. To our knowledge, these observations are the first to show that wild female western lowland gorillas can transfer voluntarily while pregnant without incurring infanticide by a new silverback. These observations highlight the behavioural plasticity shown by female gorillas in response to sexual coercion by males.
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18
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Seiler N, Robbins MM. Using long-term ranging patterns to assess within-group and between-group competition in wild mountain gorillas. BMC Ecol 2020; 20:40. [PMID: 32677937 PMCID: PMC7367404 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-020-00306-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Competition within and between social groups determines access to resources and can be inferred from space use parameters that reflect depletion of food resources and competitive abilities of groups. Using location data from 1998 to 2017, we investigated within- and between-group competition in 12 groups of wild mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). As within-group feeding competition is expected to increase with group size, an increase in group size is predicted to lead to an increase in the size of annual home ranges and core areas, but to a decrease in fidelity (reuse of an area). Due to asymmetries in competitive abilities, larger groups are expected to have higher exclusivity (degree of non-shared space) of annual home ranges and core areas than smaller groups. Results We found evidence of within-group feeding competition based on a positive relationship between group size and both annual home range and core area size as well as a negative relationship between group size and core area fidelity. Additionally, fidelity of core areas was lower than of home ranges. Between-group competition was inferred from a trend for groups with more members and more males to have more exclusive home ranges and core areas. Lastly, annual core areas were largely mutually exclusive. Conclusions Our study suggests that non-territorial, group-living animals can have highly dynamic, long-term avoidance-based spacing patterns, both temporally and spatially, to maintain annual core area exclusivity among groups while concurrently shifting these areas annually within overlapping home ranges to avoid resource depletion. Despite ranging in larger home ranges and core areas, larger groups were able to maintain more exclusive ranges than smaller groups, suggesting a competitive advantage for larger groups in between-group competition in a non-territorial species. Together, these findings contribute to understanding how social animals make behavioral adjustments to mitigate the effects of intraspecific competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Seiler
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Martha M Robbins
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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