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Kraus JB, Huang ZP, Li YP, Cui LW, Wang SJ, Li JF, Liu F, Wang Y, Strier KB, Xiao W. Variation in monthly and seasonal elevation use impacts behavioral and dietary flexibility in Rhinopithecus bieti. Am J Primatol 2024; 86:e23627. [PMID: 38613565 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23627] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) rely on behavioral and dietary flexibility to survive in temperate latitudes at high-elevation habitats characterized by climate and resource seasonality. However, little is known about how elevation influences their behavioral and dietary flexibility at monthly or seasonal scales. We studied an isolated R. bieti population at Mt. Lasha in the Yunling Provincial Nature Reserve, Yunnan, China, between May 2008 and August 2016 to assess the impacts of elevation on feeding behavior and diet. Across our sample, R. bieti occupied elevations between 3031 and 3637 m above mean sea level (amsl), with a 315.1 m amsl range across months and a 247.3 m amsl range across seasons. Contrary to expectations, individuals spent less time feeding when ranging across higher elevations. Lichen consumption correlated with elevation use across months and seasons, with individuals spending more time feeding on this important resource at higher elevations. Leaf consumption only correlated with elevation use during the spring. Our results suggest that R. bieti do not maximize their food intake at higher elevations and that monthly and seasonal changes in lichen and leaf consumption largely explain variation in elevation use. These findings shed light on the responses of R. bieti to environmental change and offer insight into strategies for conserving their habitats in the face of anthropogenic disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob B Kraus
- Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Zhi-Pang Huang
- Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forest University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yan-Pang Li
- Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Liang-Wei Cui
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forest University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- International Centre of Biodiversity and Primate Conservation, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Shuang-Jin Wang
- Party School of YuXi committee of C.P.C, Yuxi, Yunnan, China
| | - Jin-Fa Li
- Administration Bureau of Nuozhadu Provincial Nature Reserve, Pu'er, Yunnan, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Xizang Autonomous Region Research Institute of Forestry Inventory and Planning, Lhasa, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Forestry Bureau of Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou, China
| | - Karen B Strier
- International Centre of Biodiversity and Primate Conservation, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Wen Xiao
- Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- International Centre of Biodiversity and Primate Conservation, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
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2
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Kenyon-Flatt B, von Cramon-Taubadel N. Intrageneric taxonomic distinction based on morphological variation in the macaque (Macaca) skeleton. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2024; 307:118-140. [PMID: 37439127 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25283] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Taxonomic classification is important for understanding the natural world, yet current methods for species assessment often focus on craniodental morphology rather than the entire skeleton. Moreover, it is currently unknown how much variation could, or should, exist intragenerically. Here, we tested whether taxonomy can be accurately predicted based on patterns of morphological variation in macaques (H1 ) and whether postcranial bones reflect subgeneric macaque taxonomy similarly, or better, than the cranium (H2 ). Data included 3D scans of cranial and postcranial bones for eight macaque species (Macaca arctoides, Macaca fascicularis, Macaca fuscata, Macaca mulatta, Macaca nemestrina, Macaca nigra, Macaca radiata, and Macaca sylvanus). Fixed anatomical and semilandmarks were applied to scans of eight skeletal elements (crania = 45; mandible = 31; scapula = 66; humerus = 38; radius = 33; os coxa = 28; femur = 40; tibia = 40). For each skeletal element, regression analyses were performed to minimize the effects of sexual dimorphism. Between-groups principal components analysis was used to visualize the major patterns of among-species morphological variation, while the strength of correct taxon classification was measured with discriminant function analysis. Results suggested accepting the alternate hypothesis that different macaque species can be distinguished morphologically. Both cranial and many postcranial elements appeared to possess a taxonomic signal, and the limb bones-especially the upper limb-are reported to be more useful for taxonomic assessment than previously realized. Theoretically, certain behaviors and/or ecogeographical factors, as well as phylogeny, influenced skeletal morphology in macaques, likely contributing to taxonomic distinctions among different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Kenyon-Flatt
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Buffalo Human Evolutionary Morphology Lab, Department of Anthropology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Noreen von Cramon-Taubadel
- Buffalo Human Evolutionary Morphology Lab, Department of Anthropology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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3
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Li HB, Sun J, Li LH, Zhou Y, Fang XL, Li BY, Guo LJ, Geng Y, Wang CP, Huang ZP, Garber PA, Yang Y, Cui LW, Xiao W. Effects of provisioning on the activity budget and foraging strategies of black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) in the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, Yunnan, China. Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23548. [PMID: 37661600 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23548] [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: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Provisioning can significantly affect the ranging patterns, foraging strategies, and time budget of wild primates. In this study, we document for the first time, the effects of provisioning on the activity budget and foraging effort in an Asian colobine. Over 3-years, we used an instantaneous scanning method at 10-min intervals to collect data on the activity budget of a semiprovisioned breeding band (SPB) of black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) (42-70 individuals) at Xiangguqing (Tacheng), Yunnan, China. We then compared the effects of provisioning in our study band with published data on a sympatric wild nonprovisioned breeding band (NPB) of R. bieti (ca. 360 monkeys) at the same field site. The SPB spent 25.6% of their daytime feeding, 17.1% traveling, 46.9% resting, and 10.3% socializing. In comparison, the NPB devoted more time to feeding (34.9%) and socializing (14.1%), less time to resting (31.3%), and was characterized by a greater foraging effort (1.74 versus 0.96, foraging effort = (feeding + traveling)/resting; see Methods). There was no difference between bands in the proportion of their activity budget devoted to traveling (15.7% vs. 17.1%). In addition, the SPB exhibited a more consistent activity budget and foraging effort across all seasons of the year compared to the NPB. These findings suggest that the distribution, availability, and productivity of naturally occurring feeding sites is a major determinant of the behavioral strategies and activity budget of R. bieti. Finally, a comparison of our results with data on six nonprovisioned R. bieti bands indicates that caution must be raised in meta-analyses or intraspecific comparisons of primate behavioral ecology that contain data generated from both provisioned and nonprovisioned groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bo Li
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Yunling Black-and-White Snub-Nosed Monkey Observation and Research Station of Yunnan Province, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- International Center for Biodiversity and Primate Conservation, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lun-Hong Li
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xue-Lan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Bo-Yan Li
- Institute of Resource Conservation, Lashihai Plateau Wetland Provincial Nature Reserve Bureau, Lijiang, Yunnan, China
| | - Long-Jie Guo
- Nujiang Administration Bureau, Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve, Liuku, Yunnan, China
| | - Ying Geng
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chun-Ping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhi-Pang Huang
- Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Yunling Black-and-White Snub-Nosed Monkey Observation and Research Station of Yunnan Province, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Paul A Garber
- International Center for Biodiversity and Primate Conservation, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Department of Anthropology and Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Yin Yang
- International Center for Biodiversity and Primate Conservation, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Liang-Wei Cui
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- International Center for Biodiversity and Primate Conservation, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Yunling Black-and-White Snub-Nosed Monkey Observation and Research Station of Yunnan Province, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- International Center for Biodiversity and Primate Conservation, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
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Howarth ERI, Szott ID, Witham CL, Wilding CS, Bethell EJ. Genetic polymorphisms in the serotonin, dopamine and opioid pathways influence social attention in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288108. [PMID: 37531334 PMCID: PMC10395878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Behaviour has a significant heritable component; however, unpicking the variants of interest in the neural circuits and molecular pathways that underpin these has proven difficult. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between known and new candidate genes from identified pathways and key behaviours for survival in 109 adult rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Eight genes involved in emotion were analysed for variation at a total of nine loci. Genetic data were then correlated with cognitive and observational measures of behaviour associated with wellbeing and survival using MCMC-based Bayesian GLMM in R, to account for relatedness within the macaque population. For four loci the variants genotyped were length polymorphisms (SLC6A4 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter length-polymorphic repeat (5-HTTLPR), SLC6A4 STin polymorphism, Tryptophan 5-hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) and Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)) whilst for the other five (5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A), Dopamine Receptor D4 (DRD4), Oxytocin receptor (OXTR), Arginine vasopressin receptor 1A (AVPR1a), Opioid receptor mu(μ) 1 (OPRM1)) SNPs were analysed. STin genotype, DRD4 haplotype and OXTR haplotype were significantly associated with the cognitive and observational measures of behaviour associated with wellbeing and survival. Genotype for 5-HTTLPR, STin and AVPR1a, and haplotype for HTR2A, DRD4 and OXTR were significantly associated with the duration of behaviours including fear and anxiety. Understanding the biological underpinnings of individual variation in negative emotion (e.g., fear and anxiety), together with their impact on social behaviour (e.g., social attention including vigilance for threat) has application for managing primate populations in the wild and captivity, as well as potential translational application for understanding of the genetic basis of emotions in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmeline R. I. Howarth
- Research Centre in Brain and Behaviour, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Chester, Chester, United Kingdom
| | - Isabelle D. Szott
- Research Centre in Brain and Behaviour, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Claire L. Witham
- Centre for Macaques, Harwell Institute, Medical Research Council, Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Craig S. Wilding
- Biodiversity and Conservation Group, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J. Bethell
- Research Centre in Brain and Behaviour, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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5
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Nsekanabo JD, Leeds A, Eckardt W, Tuyisingize D, Nyiramana A, Lukas KE. Distinguishing mobility and immobility when establishing species-specific activity budgets: A case study with gorillas (Gorilla berengei berengei and Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Zoo Biol 2022; 41:503-511. [PMID: 35098583 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Activity budgets characterize the distribution of behavior over a specified time period. In some cases, having comparable data from free-ranging populations can help inform the management of wildlife in zoos and sanctuaries. For example, although variations exist across subspecies, seasons, and study sites, diurnal activity budgets for free-ranging gorillas largely consist of feeding and resting. Unfortunately, most studies do not consistently differentiate between the type of activities gorillas exhibit while locomoting versus stationary. Therefore, it can be difficult to characterize optimal levels of aerobic activity that might enhance body condition or promote gorilla health in zoos and sanctuaries. In this study, we concurrently measured the mobility state and activity of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. From June to August 2015, behavioral data were collected using group scan sampling with 15-min intervals in two groups (N = 29 gorillas) monitored by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Overall, gorillas spent significantly more time immobile (85.2% of observations) than mobile (14.8%), revealing energy expenditure levels comparable to western lowland gorillas living in zoos. There was no difference in behavioral diversity when gorillas were mobile versus immobile but adult females exhibited substantially less behavioral diversity while immobile than other age-sex classes. There was more diversity in behaviors following the transition from immobile to mobile than vice versa, particularly for adult females. Future studies should concurrently measure mobility state and behavior to improve the precision of activity budget data and serve as a more useful tool for evaluating optimal activity levels for wildlife in human care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean D Nsekanabo
- Karisoke Research Center, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Musanze, Rwanda.,Department of Biology, University of Rwanda, Huye, Rwanda
| | - Austin Leeds
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Winnie Eckardt
- Karisoke Research Center, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Musanze, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Kristen E Lukas
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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6
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Social responses to the natural loss of individuals in Barbary macaques. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00283-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIn recent years, there has been considerable interest in investigating how animal social structure is affected by the loss of individuals. This is often achieved using simulations that generate predictions regarding how the removal of ‘key’ individuals from a group affects network structure. However, little is known about the effects of such removals in wild and free-ranging populations, particularly the extent to which naturally occurring mortality events and the loss of a large proportion of individuals from a social group affects the overall structure of a social network. Here, we used data from a population of wild Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) that was exposed to an exceptionally harsh winter, culminating in the death of 64% of the adults from two groups. We analysed how social interaction patterns among surviving individuals were affected by the natural loss of group members using social networks based on affiliative (i.e., grooming) and aggressive social interactions. We show that only the structure of the pre-decline grooming networks was conserved in the post-decline networks, suggesting that grooming, but not aggression networks are resilient against the loss of group members. Surviving group members were not significantly different from the non-survivors in terms of their affiliative and agonistic relationships, and did not form assorted communities in the pre-decline networks. Overall, our results suggest that in primates, patterns of affiliative interactions are more resilient to changes in group composition than aggressive interaction patterns, which tend to be used more flexibly in new conditions.
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7
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Seasonal Change in Activity Rhythms and Time Budgets of Tibetan Macaques. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11091260. [PMID: 36138739 PMCID: PMC9495467 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Activity rhythms and time budgets are important to understand behavioral variability and adaptation in primates because animals normally use a behavioral adjustment as a preferential choice in response to environmental changes. Therefore, we observed a group of un-provisioned Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) in Tianhu Mountain County Nature Reserve, Mount Huangshan, Southern Anhui, China. We used the instantaneous scan sampling method to collect behavioral data on their activity rhythms and time budget. The results showed that Tibetan macaques have two foraging peaks (9:00–10:00 and 14:00–15:00) and a resting peak at 12:00–13:00. They spent 31.96% resting, 28.59% foraging, 26.96% moving, 6.90% grooming, and 5.59% other. The total time of foraging and moving per month significantly and positively correlated with fruits and buds and negatively correlated with leaves. Different sexes and age groups demonstrated different activity time budgets, with adult males, adult females, and young macaques spending most of their time resting, grooming, and playing, respectively. We elucidated the effects of different environmental conditions on Tibetan macaques and their behavioral adaptation strategies.
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Christensen C, Bracken AM, Justin O'Riain M, Heistermann M, King AJ, Fürtbauer I. Simultaneous investigation of urinary and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations reveals short- versus long-term drivers of HPA-axis activity in a wild primate (Papio ursinus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 318:113985. [PMID: 35093315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.113985] [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: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs), a class of steroid hormones released through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, perform many vital functions essential for survival, including orchestrating an organism's response to stressors by modulating physiological and behavioural responses. Assessing changes and variation in GC metabolites from faecal or urine samples allows for the non-invasive monitoring of HPA-axis activity across vertebrates. The time lag of hormone excretion differs between these sample matrices, which has implications for their suitability for studying effects of different temporal nature on HPA-axis activity. However, simultaneous comparisons of predictors of faecal and urinary GC metabolites (fGCs and uGCs, respectively) are lacking. To address this gap, we employ frequent non-invasive sampling to investigate correlates of fGCs and uGCs in wild chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) (n = 17), including long-term (dominance rank, season, female reproductive state) and short-term (time of day, daily weather conditions) factors. Correlated with increasing day length, fGCs gradually decreased from winter to summer. No seasonal effect on uGCs was found but 'rain days' were associated with increased uGCs. Pregnant females had significantly higher fGCs compared to cycling and lactating females, whereas uGCs were not statistically different across reproductive states. A circadian effect was observed in uGCs but not in fGCs. Dominance rank did not affect either fGCs or uGCs. Our study highlights the difference in inherent fluctuation between uGCs and fGCs and its potential consequences for HPA-axis activity monitoring. While uGCs offer the opportunity to study short-term effects, they undergo more pronounced fluctuations, reducing their ability to capture long-term effects. Given the increasing use of urine for biological monitoring, knowledge of this potential limitation is crucial. Where possible, uGCs and fGCs should be monitored in tandem to obtain a comprehensive understanding of short- and long-term drivers of HPA-axis activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Christensen
- Biosciences, School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, SA2 8PP Swansea, UK.
| | - Anna M Bracken
- Biosciences, School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, SA2 8PP Swansea, UK
| | - M Justin O'Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | | | - Andrew J King
- Biosciences, School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, SA2 8PP Swansea, UK
| | - Ines Fürtbauer
- Biosciences, School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, SA2 8PP Swansea, UK
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Hilário RR, Silvestre SM, Abreu F, Beltrão-Mendes R, de Castro CSS, Chagas RRD, De la Fuente MF, Duarte MHL, Ferrari SF, Passamani M, Schiel N, Souto A, Young RJ, Souza-Alves JP. Temperature and exudativory as drivers of the marmoset (Callithrix spp.) daily activity period. Am J Primatol 2021; 84:e23341. [PMID: 34662461 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23341] [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: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Primates are affected by fluctuations in ambient temperatures, mostly through thermoregulatory costs and changes in the availability of food. In the present study, we investigate whether the ambient temperature and proxies of food availability affect the activity period of marmosets (Callithrix spp.). We predicted that: (i) at colder sites, marmosets would spend more time at sleeping sites; (ii) midday resting bouts would be longer at hotter sites; (iii) the onset/cessation of activity and resting behavior at midday would be more closely related to temperature than food availability, and (iv) highly exudativorous groups would have higher total levels of resting. We compiled data on the onset and cessation of activity and the time spent resting at midday from seven marmoset studies from sites with a wide range of temperatures. We used generalized linear mixed models to verify the relationship between the dependent variables (lag between dawn and the onset of activities, lag between cessation of activities and dusk, and proportion of resting during midday) and the minimum and maximum temperatures at the respective study sites, together with proxies of food availability (exudativory rates, the amount of habitat available per individual, and net primary productivity) using each sample month as a sampling unit and the identity of the study as a categorical random factor. At colder sites and during colder months, the marmosets left sleeping trees later in the morning and ceased their activities earlier, while at hotter sites and during hotter months, they spent more time resting during midday. More exudativorous groups become active later in the morning, but also ceased their activities later. The abundance of food did not affect the timing of activities. We provide evidence that both low and high temperatures affect marmosets' activities, and that their activity period appears to be more influenced by the thermal environment than food availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato R Hilário
- Departamento de Meio Ambiente e Desenvolvimento, Universidade Federal do Amapá, Macapá, Brazil
| | - Saulo M Silvestre
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Tropical, Universidade Federal do Amapá, Macapá, Brazil
| | - Filipa Abreu
- Departamento de Biologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Etnobiologia e Conservação da Natureza, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Raone Beltrão-Mendes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Carla S S de Castro
- Departamento de Engenharia e Meio Ambiente, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Monitoramento Ambiental, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Rio Tinto, Brazil
| | - Renata R D Chagas
- Departamento de Sistemárica e Ecologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Maria F De la Fuente
- Departamento de Biologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Etnobiologia e Conservação da Natureza, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Marina H L Duarte
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Vertebrados e Museu de Ciências Naturais, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Stephen F Ferrari
- Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Passamani
- Departamento de Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Nicola Schiel
- Departamento de Biologia, Laboratório de Etologia Teórica e Aplicada, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Antonio Souto
- Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Robert J Young
- Department of Biology, University of Salford, Manchester, UK
| | - João P Souza-Alves
- Departamento de Zoologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal and Laboratório de Ecologia, Comportamento e Conservação (LECC), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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10
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Dervis S, Dobson KL, Nagpal TS, Geurts C, Haman F, Adamo KB. Heat loss responses at rest and during exercise in pregnancy: A scoping review. J Therm Biol 2021; 99:103011. [PMID: 34420641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The teratogenic risk associated with maternal hyperthermia (i.e., core temperature ≥39.0 °C) has been a crucial motive in understanding thermoregulatory responses in pregnancy. To date, a substantial number of studies have focused on core temperature responses in a wide range of exercise intensities, duration, and ambient temperatures. Fortunately, none have reported core temperatures exceeding 39.0 °C. Nonetheless, there are limited studies that have provided substantial insight into both dry and evaporative heat loss mechanisms involved in facilitating the maintenance of core temperature (≥39.0 °C) during heat stress in pregnant women. The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the available literature that has assessed heat loss responses in studies of human pregnancy. METHODS A search strategy was developed combining the terms pregnancy, thermoregulation, and adaptation. A systematic search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and ProQuest. Studies eligible for inclusion included pregnant women between the ages of 18-40 years old, and at least one measurement of the following: sweating, blood flow, skin temperature, and behavioural responses. Retrieved data were categorized as evaporative (sweating), dry or behavioural heat loss responses and summarized narratively. RESULTS Thirty-three studies were included in this review (twenty-nine measured physiological responses and four measured behavioural responses). Studies suggest that during exercise, evaporative (sweating) and dry (skin blood flow and temperature) heat loss responses increase from early to late pregnancy in addition to greater cardiac output, blood volume and reduced vascular resistance. Behavioural practices related to heat loss responses are also influenced by cultural/religious expectations, personal preferences and sociodemographics. CONCLUSION The findings from this review suggest that pregnancy modifies evaporative (sweating), dry and behavioural heat loss. However, future studies have an opportunity to compare heat loss measurements accounting for gestational weight gain and thermal sensation/comfort scale to associate physiological responses with perceptual responses across pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Dervis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Kayla Lerher Dobson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Taniya Singh Nagpal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Carla Geurts
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - François Haman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Kristi Bree Adamo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
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11
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Chowdhury S, Brown JL, Swedell L. Costs of seasonality at a southern latitude: Behavioral endocrinology of female baboons in the Cape Peninsula of South Africa. Horm Behav 2021; 134:105020. [PMID: 34391183 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Environmental challenges in the form of temperature extremes and unusual precipitation, which may lead to prolonged periods outside the thermoneutral zone, can be detrimental to animal physiology. Chacma baboons in the Cape Peninsula of South Africa, one of the highest latitudes at which nonhuman primates are found, experience extremes of both temperature and rainfall, as well as seasonal differences in day length that require animals to condense their daily routine into dramatically reduced daylight hours. Here we examine the effects of these climatic factors on the behavior (activity budgets and foraging patterns) and physiology (fecal glucocorticoid concentrations) of adult females (N = 33) in three groups of chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) inhabiting the Cape Peninsula, where temperatures ranged from 7 to 39 °C, monthly rainfall ranged from 2 to 158 mm, and day length varied by 4.5 h across seasons. Climatic variables showed a clear relationship to female baboon glucocorticoid concentrations, which significantly increased with lower temperatures, higher rainfall and shorter day lengths. Activity budgets also differed between summer and winter, with females generally spending less time socializing, moving and resting in the winter compared to summer, with some differences between troops in their feeding-related activities. Cold temperatures accompanied by rainfall and short day lengths may thus represent an ecological constraint for this population. This study highlights the potential impact of anthropogenic climate change on the physiology, behavior, and, ultimately, survival of wildlife populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrina Chowdhury
- Department of Anthropology, Brooklyn College, CUNY, 2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA; Anthropology Program, Graduate Center, CUNY, 365 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA; New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP), New York, NY, USA.
| | - Janine L Brown
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Larissa Swedell
- Anthropology Program, Graduate Center, CUNY, 365 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA; New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP), New York, NY, USA; Department of Anthropology, Queens College, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA; Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
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12
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Li Y, Huang X, Huang Z. Behavioral adjustments and support use of François' langur in limestone habitat in Fusui, China: Implications for behavioral thermoregulation. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:4956-4967. [PMID: 32551073 PMCID: PMC7297789 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Climatic factors such as temperature and humidity vary seasonally in primate habitats; thus, behavioral adjustments and microhabitat selection by primate species have been interpreted as behavioral adaptations. François' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi), a native species to southwest China and northern Vietnam, inhabits a limestone habitat with extreme climatic conditions. To understand the potential effects of climatic seasonality on this species, we collected data on the individual behavioral budgets in a T. francoisi group between January and December 2010 in Fusui County, China. Monthly, we performed 5-11 days of observation during this period, using focal animal sampling and continuous recording methods. We also recorded ambient temperature (T a) and relative humidity (H r) data at our study site. Results indicated that T a and H r were significantly correlated with each other and fluctuated dramatically on a daily, monthly, and seasonal basis. The amount of time spent resting, grooming, basking, and huddling also varied on a daily, monthly, and seasonal basis. The proportion of resting time and total sedentary activity time significantly increased at high and low T as, respectively. The total sedentary time, resting time, and plant branch use all showed positive significant correlations with T a. Our results suggest that behavioral adjustment and support use of T. francoisi, at least partly, were related to thermoregulation. T. francoisi minimized thermal stress through behavioral adjustments and support use. It is an adaptive behavior associated with the climatic extremes of limestone habitat. This study can potentially advise conservation management strategies in this specific habitat. Conservation efforts should focus on vegetation restoration in langurs' habitat, including those in the foothills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youbang Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University)Ministry of EducationGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal EcologyGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Xiaohong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University)Ministry of EducationGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal EcologyGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Zhonghao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University)Ministry of EducationGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal EcologyGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
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13
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Differential responses of non-human primates to seasonal temperature fluctuations. Primates 2020; 61:455-464. [PMID: 32034535 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-020-00801-w] [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: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Non-human primates (NHPs) can adapt to conditions outside of their natural habitat and climatic ranges but this can be influenced by inherent evolutionary traits or plasticity of species that evolved in diverse environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated how five species of NHPs that have natural distributions across a range of climatic conditions responded to seasonal temperature changes in a captive environment. The activity levels of NHPs were affected by temperature changes over the season, where activity levels were generally reduced at the lower and higher temperature ranges. Species that are naturally found within narrower and warmer climatic ranges, compared to those found in colder environments with wider fluctuations in temperature, showed more marked changes in activity levels in response to temperature changes. In lower temperature conditions, three out of five species showed significantly lower activity levels; whereas in higher temperature conditions, the activity levels of all species did not significantly decrease. The frequency of thermoregulation behaviours was higher, and use of artificial thermoregulatory sources lower, for species that did not substantially adjust their activity levels in different temperature conditions. Our results suggest that NHPs largely retained the evolutionary traits related to thermoregulation, according to the different ambient conditions they evolved in and may have low behavioural plasticity in adapting to conditions outside of their natural ranges. These results provide insights for improving conservation and captive management and may have implications for understanding NHP resilience to the increasing impact of global climate change.
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14
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McFarland R, Barrett L, Costello M, Fuller A, Hetem RS, Maloney SK, Mitchell D, Henzi PS. Keeping cool in the heat: Behavioral thermoregulation and body temperature patterns in wild vervet monkeys. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2019; 171:407-418. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard McFarland
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison Madison Wisconsin
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Louise Barrett
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Lethbridge Lethbridge Canada
- Applied Behavioural Ecology & Ecosystems Research UnitUniversity of South Africa Pretoria South Africa
| | - Mary‐Ann Costello
- Central Animal ServicesUniversity of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Andrea Fuller
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Robyn S. Hetem
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Shane K. Maloney
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
- School of Human SciencesUniversity of Western Australia Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Duncan Mitchell
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa
- School of Human SciencesUniversity of Western Australia Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Peter S. Henzi
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Lethbridge Lethbridge Canada
- Applied Behavioural Ecology & Ecosystems Research UnitUniversity of South Africa Pretoria South Africa
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15
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Ning WH, Guan ZH, Huang B, Fan PF, Jiang XL. Influence of food availability and climate on behavior patterns of western black crested gibbons (Nomascus concolor) at Mt. Wuliang, Yunnan, China. Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e23068. [PMID: 31721262 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Food abundance and climatic factors can significantly affect the behavior of animals and constrain their activity budgets. The population of western black crested gibbons (Nomascus concolor) in Mt. Wuliang lives in montane forest and is close to the northern extreme of the distribution for gibbons (Hylobatidae). Their habitats show remarkable seasonal variation in terms of food availability, temperature, and rainfall. To understand behavioral adaptations of western black crested gibbons to different sets of ecological conditions, we examined relationships among food availability, mean temperature, rainfall, and behavior patterns by observing two groups for 1 year each. Our results revealed that activity budget was affected by food availability and mean temperature. The gibbons spent more time eating flowers when that resource was more available and spent less time moving when fruit was more available. The gibbons spent less time feeding and more time resting, and spent less feeding time on fruit and leaves when the mean temperature was lower. These results suggest that the gibbons displayed a pronounced preference for flowers as a food resource and adopted a time minimizer strategy when high-nutrient food items (i.e., fruit) were more available. In addition, the gibbons adopted an energy-conserving strategy during periods of low temperature. The flexibility of behavioral patterns in responding to food availability and temperature may potentially improve the gibbons' prospects of surviving and reproducing in a northern montane forest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-He Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Guan
- Yunnan Academy of Biodiversity, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Bei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Peng-Fei Fan
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Long Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
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16
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Ayers AM, Allan ATL, Howlett C, Tordiffe ASW, Williams KS, Williams ST, Hill RA. Illuminating movement? Nocturnal activity patterns in chacma baboons. J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Ayers
- Department of Anthropology Durham University Durham UK
- Primate and Predator Project Lajuma Research Centre Makhado South Africa
| | - A. T. L. Allan
- Department of Anthropology Durham University Durham UK
- Primate and Predator Project Lajuma Research Centre Makhado South Africa
| | - C. Howlett
- Department of Anthropology Durham University Durham UK
- Primate and Predator Project Lajuma Research Centre Makhado South Africa
- School of Anthropology and Conservation The University of Kent Canterbury Kent UK
| | - A. S. W. Tordiffe
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences Faculty of Veterinary Science University of Pretoria Onderstepoort South Africa
| | - K. S. Williams
- Department of Anthropology Durham University Durham UK
- Primate and Predator Project Lajuma Research Centre Makhado South Africa
| | - S. T. Williams
- Department of Anthropology Durham University Durham UK
- Primate and Predator Project Lajuma Research Centre Makhado South Africa
- Department of Zoology University of Venda Thohoyandou South Africa
- Institute for Globally Distributed Open Research and Education (IGDORE) Thohoyandou South Africa
| | - R. A. Hill
- Department of Anthropology Durham University Durham UK
- Primate and Predator Project Lajuma Research Centre Makhado South Africa
- Department of Zoology University of Venda Thohoyandou South Africa
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17
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Waterman JO, Campbell LAD, Maréchal L, Pilot M, Majolo B. Effect of human activity on habitat selection in the endangered Barbary macaque. Anim Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. O. Waterman
- School of Psychology University of Lincoln Lincoln UK
- School of Natural Sciences & Psychology Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
| | - L. A. D. Campbell
- School of Psychology University of Lincoln Lincoln UK
- WildCRU, Recanti‐Kaplan Centre University of Oxford Tubney UK
| | - L. Maréchal
- School of Psychology University of Lincoln Lincoln UK
| | - M. Pilot
- School of Life Sciences University of Lincoln Lincoln UK
- Museum and Institute of Zoology Polish Academy of Sciences Gdańsk Poland
| | - B. Majolo
- School of Psychology University of Lincoln Lincoln UK
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18
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Canteloup C, Borgeaud C, Wubs M, Waal E. The effect of social and ecological factors on the time budget of wild vervet monkeys. Ethology 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Canteloup
- Department of Ecology and Evolution University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
- Inkawu Vervet Project Mawana Game Reserve KwaZulu Natal South Africa
| | - Christèle Borgeaud
- Department of Ecology and Evolution University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
- Inkawu Vervet Project Mawana Game Reserve KwaZulu Natal South Africa
| | - Matthias Wubs
- Department of Ecology and Evolution University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Erica Waal
- Department of Ecology and Evolution University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
- Inkawu Vervet Project Mawana Game Reserve KwaZulu Natal South Africa
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19
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Tkaczynski PJ, Ross C, Lehmann J, Mouna M, Majolo B, MacLarnon A. Repeatable glucocorticoid expression is associated with behavioural syndromes in males but not females in a wild primate. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:190256. [PMID: 31598282 PMCID: PMC6774951 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.190256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Behavioural syndromes are a well-established phenomenon in human and non-human animal behavioural ecology. However, the mechanisms that lead to correlations among behaviours and individual consistency in their expression at the apparent expense of behavioural plasticity remain unclear. The 'state-dependent' hypothesis posits that inter-individual variation in behaviour arises from inter-individual variation in state and that the relative stability of these states within an individual leads to consistency of behaviour. The endocrine stress response, in part mediated by glucocorticoids (GCs), is a proposed behavioural syndrome-associated state as GC levels are linked to an individual's behavioural responses to stressors. In this study, in wild Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), consistent inter-individual differences were observed in both sexes for GC activity (faecal glucocorticoid, fGC concentrations), but not GC variation (coefficient of variation in fGC concentrations). The expression of the behavioural syndrome 'Excitability' (characterized by the frequencies of brief affiliation or aggressive interactions) was related to GC activity in males but not in females; more 'excitable' males had lower GC activity. There was no relationship in females between any of the behavioural syndromes and GC activity, nor in either sex with GC variation. The negative relationship between GC activity and Excitability in males provides some support for GC expression as a behavioural syndrome-generating state under the state-dependent framework. The absence of this relationship in females highlights that state-behavioural syndrome associations may not be generalizable within a species and that broader sex differences in state need to be considered for understanding the emergence and maintenance of behavioural syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. J. Tkaczynski
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Centre for Research in Evolutionary, Social and Inter-Disciplinary Anthropology, University of Roehampton, Holybourne Avenue, London SW15 4JD, UK
| | - C. Ross
- Centre for Research in Evolutionary, Social and Inter-Disciplinary Anthropology, University of Roehampton, Holybourne Avenue, London SW15 4JD, UK
| | - J. Lehmann
- Centre for Research in Evolutionary, Social and Inter-Disciplinary Anthropology, University of Roehampton, Holybourne Avenue, London SW15 4JD, UK
| | - M. Mouna
- Mohammed V University, Institut Scientifique, Rabat, Morocco
| | - B. Majolo
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - A. MacLarnon
- Centre for Research in Evolutionary, Social and Inter-Disciplinary Anthropology, University of Roehampton, Holybourne Avenue, London SW15 4JD, UK
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20
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Campbell LAD, Tkaczynski PJ, Mouna M, Derrou A, Oukannou L, Majolo B, van Lavieren E. Behavioural thermoregulation via microhabitat selection of winter sleeping areas in an endangered primate: implications for habitat conservation. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:181113. [PMID: 30662730 PMCID: PMC6304142 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Strategic microhabitat selection allows animals in seasonally cold environments to reduce homeostatic energy costs, particularly overnight when thermoregulatory demands are greatest. Suitable sleeping areas may therefore represent important resources for winter survival. Knowledge of microhabitat use and potential impacts of anthropogenic habitat modification can aid species conservation through development of targeted habitat management plans. Wild, endangered Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) in logged cedar-oak forest were studied to investigate (1) the hypothesis that macaques select winter sleeping areas with microhabitat characteristics that may reduce thermoregulatory costs, and, if so, (2) how to minimize damage to sleeping areas from logging. Macaques slept only in Atlas cedars (Cedrus atlantica). Consistent with predictions, macaques preferred sleeping in sheltered topography and dense vegetation, which may reduce exposure to wind, precipitation and cold, and preferred large trees that facilitate social huddling. This suggests that Barbary macaques employ strategic nocturnal microhabitat selection to reduce thermoregulatory costs and thus suitable sleeping areas may influence winter survival. To minimize negative impacts of logging on macaque sleeping areas, results suggest avoiding logging in topographical depressions and maintaining cedar densities greater than 250 ha-1 with average breast height greater than 60 cm. This study demonstrates how animal behaviour can be used to guide species-specific habitat management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liz A. D. Campbell
- Moroccan Primate Conservation Foundation, Azrou, Morocco
- WildCRU, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Patrick J. Tkaczynski
- Centre for Research in Evolutionary Social and Inter-Disciplinary Anthropology, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - Mohamed Mouna
- Agdal Institut Scientifique, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | | | | | | | - Els van Lavieren
- Moroccan Primate Conservation Foundation, Azrou, Morocco
- Conservation International Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
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21
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Gennuso MS, Brividoro M, Pavé R, Raño M, Kowalewski M. Social play among black and gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) immatures during intergroup encounters. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22909. [PMID: 30152540 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
We studied intergroup social play (IGSP) among immatures in wild black and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) in northeastern Argentina. IGSP events are one form of affiliative interaction that can occur during intergroup encounters. The main goal of this study was to analyze IGSP in A. caraya immatures and assess how intrinsic (e.g., age and sex) and extrinsic (e.g., seasonality) factors can influence the development of this type of social behavior. We followed 12 groups between 2008 and 2015 and recorded 182 encounters and 61 events of IGSP. Considering the composition of play partners, most IGSP events occurred among juveniles of both sexes (33%), followed by juveniles that were only-male (31%), and finally between mixed-sex juveniles and infants (20%) interactions. Additionally, most IGSP events occurred mainly in summer (56%), followed by spring (29%), with fewer events occurring in autumn (15%) and no IGSP events recorded in winter. Our results suggest that IGSP constitutes a beneficial activity in wild A. caraya that promotes behavioral flexibility, where immatures acquire social skills, such as tolerance, by interacting with unknown individuals. Moreover, the higher participation of young males in IGSP is consistent with the fact that adult black and gold howler males tend to be more actively involved in group encounters than females, supporting the hypothesis that social play provides benefits in the development of motor and social skills. Finally, seasonality in the frequencies of IGSP might be related to availability of foods with high and easily mobilized energy content in summer and spring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Gennuso
- Estación Biológica Corrientes MACN, CONICET Ruta Pcial. 8 s/n 3401-San Cayetano Pcia. de, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Melina Brividoro
- Instituto Nacional de Limnología, CONICET-UNL, Ciudad Universitaria, Pje El Pozo s/n, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Romina Pavé
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical- Nodo Iguazú-CONICET- UNaM Asociación Civil Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico (CeIBA), Bertoni 85- (3370)- Pto Iguazú - Misiones, Argentina
| | - Mariana Raño
- Estación Biológica Corrientes MACN, CONICET Ruta Pcial. 8 s/n 3401-San Cayetano Pcia. de, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Martin Kowalewski
- Estación Biológica Corrientes MACN, CONICET Ruta Pcial. 8 s/n 3401-San Cayetano Pcia. de, Corrientes, Argentina
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22
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Howell CP, Cheyne SM. Complexities of Using Wild versus Captive Activity Budget Comparisons for Assessing Captive Primate Welfare. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2018; 22:78-96. [PMID: 30058408 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2018.1500286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Activity budget comparisons between groups or individuals in the wild and those in captivity are commonly used to determine the range of wild-type behaviors that nonhuman animals in captivity perform. These comparisons are conducted with the view that individuals displaying a greater range of wild-type behaviors have enhanced welfare. Such comparisons have a greater appeal when it comes to primates because increased levels of anthropomorphism toward primates lead to welfare concerns. However, the validity of such comparisons has not been assessed. From the reviewed literature, some of the main complexities identified when defining "good welfare" using activity budgets were the ideas of behavioral motivation and adaptation, obstacles when using the wild as a benchmark for good welfare, study methods causing possible variances in behavior, and social and environmental factors. It is proposed that such influencing factors would be controlled for adequately in future studies with the use of multiple indices to measure welfare and methods that infer positive emotional states. It is hoped we can then build evidence of an animal's emotional state and allow welfare to be inferred to a higher degree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian P Howell
- a Department of Social Sciences , Oxford Brookes University , Oxford , United Kingdom.,b Research Department , Blackpool Zoo , Blackpool , United Kingdom
| | - Susan M Cheyne
- a Department of Social Sciences , Oxford Brookes University , Oxford , United Kingdom.,c Borneo Nature Foundation , Palangka Raya , Kalimantan Tengah , Indonesia
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23
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Social thermoregulation as a potential mechanism linking sociality and fitness: Barbary macaques with more social partners form larger huddles. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6074. [PMID: 29666428 PMCID: PMC5904170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24373-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with more or stronger social bonds experience enhanced survival and reproduction in various species, though the mechanisms mediating these effects are unclear. Social thermoregulation is a common behaviour across many species which reduces cold stress exposure, body heat loss, and homeostatic energy costs, allowing greater energetic investment in growth, reproduction, and survival, with larger aggregations providing greater benefits. If more social individuals form larger thermoregulation aggregations due to having more potential partners, this would provide a direct link between sociality and fitness. We conducted the first test of this hypothesis by studying social relationships and winter sleeping huddles in wild Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), wherein individuals with more social partners experience greater probability of winter survival. Precipitation and low temperature increased huddle sizes, supporting previous research that huddle size influences thermoregulation and energetics. Huddling relationships were predicted by social (grooming) relationships. Individuals with more social partners therefore formed larger huddles, suggesting reduced energy expenditure and exposure to environmental stressors than less social individuals, potentially explaining how sociality affects survival in this population. This is the first evidence that social thermoregulation may be a direct proximate mechanism by which increased sociality enhances fitness, which may be widely applicable across taxa.
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Hanya G, Otani Y, Hongo S, Honda T, Okamura H, Higo Y. Activity of wild Japanese macaques in Yakushima revealed by camera trapping: Patterns with respect to season, daily period and rainfall. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190631. [PMID: 29293657 PMCID: PMC5749816 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals are subject to various scales of temporal environmental fluctuations, among which daily and seasonal variations are two of the most widespread and significant ones. Many biotic and abiotic factors change temporally, and climatic factors are particularly important because they directly affect the cost of thermoregulation. The purpose of the present study was to determine the activity patterns of wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) with a special emphasis on the effect of thermal conditions. We set 30 camera traps in the coniferous forest of Yakushima and monitored them for a total of 8658 camera-days between July 2014 and July 2015. Over the one-year period, temperature had a positive effect, and rainfall had a negative effect on the activity of macaques during the day. Capture rate was significantly higher during the time period of one hour after sunrise and during midday. During winter days, macaques concentrated their activity around noon, and activity shifted from the morning toward the afternoon. This could be interpreted as macaques shifting their activity to warmer time periods within a single day. Japanese macaques decreased their activity during the time before sunrise in seasons with lower temperatures. It was beneficial for macaques to be less active during cooler time periods in a cold season. Even small amounts of rainfall negatively affected the activity of Japanese macaques, with capture rates decreasing significantly even when rainfall was only 0.5-1 mm/min. In conclusion, thermal conditions significantly affected the activity of wild Japanese macaques at various time scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goro Hanya
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Japan
| | - Yosuke Otani
- Institute for Academic Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Shun Hongo
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Japan
| | - Takeaki Honda
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Japan
| | - Hiroki Okamura
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Japan
| | - Yuma Higo
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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25
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Campos FA, Morris WF, Alberts SC, Altmann J, Brockman DK, Cords M, Pusey A, Stoinski TS, Strier KB, Fedigan LM. Does climate variability influence the demography of wild primates? Evidence from long-term life-history data in seven species. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2017; 23:4907-4921. [PMID: 28589633 DOI: 10.10.1111/gcb.13754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Earth's rapidly changing climate creates a growing need to understand how demographic processes in natural populations are affected by climate variability, particularly among organisms threatened by extinction. Long-term, large-scale, and cross-taxon studies of vital rate variation in relation to climate variability can be particularly valuable because they can reveal environmental drivers that affect multiple species over extensive regions. Few such data exist for animals with slow life histories, particularly in the tropics, where climate variation over large-scale space is asynchronous. As our closest relatives, nonhuman primates are especially valuable as a resource to understand the roles of climate variability and climate change in human evolutionary history. Here, we provide the first comprehensive investigation of vital rate variation in relation to climate variability among wild primates. We ask whether primates are sensitive to global changes that are universal (e.g., higher temperature, large-scale climate oscillations) or whether they are more sensitive to global change effects that are local (e.g., more rain in some places), which would complicate predictions of how primates in general will respond to climate change. To address these questions, we use a database of long-term life-history data for natural populations of seven primate species that have been studied for 29-52 years to investigate associations between vital rate variation, local climate variability, and global climate oscillations. Associations between vital rates and climate variability varied among species and depended on the time windows considered, highlighting the importance of temporal scale in detection of such effects. We found strong climate signals in the fertility rates of three species. However, survival, which has a greater impact on population growth, was little affected by climate variability. Thus, we found evidence for demographic buffering of life histories, but also evidence of mechanisms by which climate change could affect the fates of wild primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A Campos
- Department of Anthropology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Susan C Alberts
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jeanne Altmann
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Diane K Brockman
- Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Marina Cords
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne Pusey
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tara S Stoinski
- The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karen B Strier
- Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Linda M Fedigan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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26
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Campos FA, Morris WF, Alberts SC, Altmann J, Brockman DK, Cords M, Pusey A, Stoinski TS, Strier KB, Fedigan LM. Does climate variability influence the demography of wild primates? Evidence from long-term life-history data in seven species. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2017; 23:4907-4921. [PMID: 28589633 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Earth's rapidly changing climate creates a growing need to understand how demographic processes in natural populations are affected by climate variability, particularly among organisms threatened by extinction. Long-term, large-scale, and cross-taxon studies of vital rate variation in relation to climate variability can be particularly valuable because they can reveal environmental drivers that affect multiple species over extensive regions. Few such data exist for animals with slow life histories, particularly in the tropics, where climate variation over large-scale space is asynchronous. As our closest relatives, nonhuman primates are especially valuable as a resource to understand the roles of climate variability and climate change in human evolutionary history. Here, we provide the first comprehensive investigation of vital rate variation in relation to climate variability among wild primates. We ask whether primates are sensitive to global changes that are universal (e.g., higher temperature, large-scale climate oscillations) or whether they are more sensitive to global change effects that are local (e.g., more rain in some places), which would complicate predictions of how primates in general will respond to climate change. To address these questions, we use a database of long-term life-history data for natural populations of seven primate species that have been studied for 29-52 years to investigate associations between vital rate variation, local climate variability, and global climate oscillations. Associations between vital rates and climate variability varied among species and depended on the time windows considered, highlighting the importance of temporal scale in detection of such effects. We found strong climate signals in the fertility rates of three species. However, survival, which has a greater impact on population growth, was little affected by climate variability. Thus, we found evidence for demographic buffering of life histories, but also evidence of mechanisms by which climate change could affect the fates of wild primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A Campos
- Department of Anthropology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Susan C Alberts
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jeanne Altmann
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Diane K Brockman
- Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Marina Cords
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne Pusey
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tara S Stoinski
- The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karen B Strier
- Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Linda M Fedigan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Cristóbal-Azkarate J, Maréchal L, Semple S, Majolo B, MacLarnon A. Metabolic strategies in wild male Barbary macaques: evidence from faecal measurement of thyroid hormone. Biol Lett 2017; 12:rsbl.2016.0168. [PMID: 27095269 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2016.0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Selection is expected to favour the evolution of flexible metabolic strategies, in response to environmental conditions. Here, we use a non-invasive index of basal metabolic rate (BMR), faecal thyroid hormone (T3) levels, to explore metabolic flexibility in a wild mammal inhabiting a highly seasonal, challenging environment. T3 levels of adult male Barbary macaques in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, varied markedly over the year; temporal patterns of variation differed between a wild-feeding and a provisioned group. Overall, T3 levels were related to temperature, foraging time (linked to food availability) and intensity of mating activity, and were higher in the provisioned than in the wild-feeding group. In both groups, T3 levels began to increase markedly one month before the start of the mating season, peaking four to six weeks into this period, and at a higher level in the wild-feeding group. Our results suggest that while both groups demonstrate marked metabolic flexibility, responding similarly to ecological and social challenges, such flexibility is affected by food availability. This study provides new insights into the way Barbary macaques respond to the multiple demands of their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laëtitia Maréchal
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN67TS, UK Centre for Research in Evolutionary, Social and Interdisciplinary Anthropology, University of Roehampton, London SW154JD, UK
| | - Stuart Semple
- Centre for Research in Evolutionary, Social and Interdisciplinary Anthropology, University of Roehampton, London SW154JD, UK
| | | | - Ann MacLarnon
- Centre for Research in Evolutionary, Social and Interdisciplinary Anthropology, University of Roehampton, London SW154JD, UK
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28
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Duboscq J, Romano V, Sueur C, MacIntosh AJJ. Scratch that itch: revisiting links between self-directed behaviour and parasitological, social and environmental factors in a free-ranging primate. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2016; 3:160571. [PMID: 28018646 PMCID: PMC5180144 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Different hypotheses explain variation in the occurrence of self-directed behaviour such as scratching and self-grooming: a parasite hypothesis linked with ectoparasite load, an environmental hypothesis linked with seasonal conditions and a social hypothesis linked with social factors. These hypotheses are not mutually exclusive but are often considered separately. Here, we revisited these hypotheses together in female Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata fuscata) of Kōjima islet, Japan. We input occurrences of scratching and self-grooming during focal observations in models combining parasitological (lice load), social (dominance rank, social grooming, aggression received and proximity), and environmental (rainfall, temperature and season) variables. Using an information-theory approach, we simultaneously compared the explanatory value of models against each other using variation in Akaike's information criterion and Akaike's weights. We found that evidence for models with lice load, with or without environmental-social parameters, was stronger than that for other models. In these models, scratching was positively associated with lice load and social grooming whereas self-grooming was negatively associated with lice load and positively associated with social grooming, dominance rank and number of female neighbours. This study indicates that the study animals scratch primarily because of an immune/stimulus itch, possibly triggered by ectoparasite bites/movements. It also confirms that self-grooming could act as a displacement activity in the case of social uncertainty. We advocate that biological hypotheses be more broadly considered even when investigating social processes, as one does not exclude the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Duboscq
- Kyoto University Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto, Japan; Département Ecologie, Physiologie et Ethologie, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Strasbourg, France; Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valéria Romano
- Département Ecologie, Physiologie et Ethologie, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Strasbourg, France; Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Cédric Sueur
- Département Ecologie, Physiologie et Ethologie, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Strasbourg, France; Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Andrew J J MacIntosh
- Kyoto University Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto, Japan; Kyoto University Primate Research Institute, Inuyama, Japan
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29
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Grueter CC, Robbins MM, Abavandimwe D, Ortmann S, Mudakikwa A, Ndagijimana F, Vecellio V, Stoinski TS. Elevated activity in adult mountain gorillas is related to consumption of bamboo shoots. J Mammal 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyw132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Maréchal L, Semple S, Majolo B, MacLarnon A. Assessing the Effects of Tourist Provisioning on the Health of Wild Barbary Macaques in Morocco. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155920. [PMID: 27203861 PMCID: PMC4874683 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Feeding wildlife is a very popular tourist activity, largely because it facilitates the close observation of animals in their natural habitat. Such provisioning may benefit animals by improving their survival and reproductive success, especially during periods of natural food shortage. However, provisioning by tourists may also have negative impacts on the health of the animals involved; to date such impacts are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of tourist provisioning on the health of wild adult Barbary macaques, Macaca sylvanus, in Morocco. We compared health measures between a heavily provisioned group and a group that received negligible food from tourists and, in the former group, we also assessed health measures in relation to the intensity of provisioning. We used a broad range of non-invasive health measures relating to birth rate and survival, disease and injury risk, body size and condition, and physiological stress. Our findings indicate that feeding by tourists may overall have negative impacts on the health of Barbary macaques, being linked in particular to larger body size, elevated stress levels and more alopecia. Finally, we propose a framework to help consider the potential costs and benefits of provisioning, which may facilitate future research and management decisions on whether-and how much-provisioning is acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laëtitia Maréchal
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Semple
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ann MacLarnon
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
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31
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Tsuji Y, Ito TY, Wada K, Watanabe K. Spatial patterns in the diet of the Japanese macaque M
acaca fuscata
and their environmental determinants. Mamm Rev 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yamato Tsuji
- Primate Research Institute; Kyoto University; 41-2, Kanrin Inuyama 484-8506 Japan
| | - Takehiko Y. Ito
- Arid Land Research Center; Tottori University; Tottori 680-0001 Japan
| | - Kazuo Wada
- Primate Research Institute; Kyoto University; 41-2, Kanrin Inuyama 484-8506 Japan
| | - Kunio Watanabe
- Primate Research Institute; Kyoto University; 41-2, Kanrin Inuyama 484-8506 Japan
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32
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Ni Q, Xie M, Grueter CC, Jiang X, Xu H, Yao Y, Zhang M, Li Y, Yang J. Effects of food availability and climate on activity patterns of western black-crested gibbons in an isolated forest fragment in southern Yunnan, China. Primates 2015; 56:351-63. [PMID: 26275664 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-015-0481-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The critically endangered western black-crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor) is distributed in isolated habitat fragments in northern Vietnam, northwestern Laos, and southwestern China. To assess the behavioral adaptation of this species to forest fragments and its response to seasonal variation in food availability and climate, we present activity patterns of a group inhabiting an isolated forest based on two year-long studies in southern Yunnan, China. Annually, the gibbons spent nearly half of their active time resting, followed by moving and feeding. In both study periods, the time allocated to activities varied significantly between months, and was affected by food availability and climate factors. The group delayed retirement when tree fruit was abundant, and they decreased time spent moving and playing during periods of low fruit availability. In the cold months, the gibbons decreased time spent moving, and they decreased active time and resting time when rainfall was high. The results suggest that the group may seek to maximize net energy intake like energy maximizers when high quality food is most available, and adopt an energy-conserving strategy during periods of lower food availability and temperature. The gibbons showed similar diurnal variation in activity patterns to a group inhabiting a continuous forest at Dazhaizi, Mt. Wuliang, central Yunnan. However, they had a longer active period, and devoted more time to resting but less time to feeding. The individuals also spent lower percentages of time engaged in social behavior than those at Dazhaizi. These differences may be due to their smaller home range and unusual group composition caused by habitat fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyong Ni
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Meng Xie
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan, 625014, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Cyril C Grueter
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Xuelong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huailiang Xu
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongfang Yao
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingwang Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiandong Yang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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Young C, Majolo B, Heistermann M, Schülke O, Ostner J. Responses to social and environmental stress are attenuated by strong male bonds in wild macaques. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:18195-200. [PMID: 25489097 PMCID: PMC4280642 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1411450111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans and obligatory social animals, individuals with weak social ties experience negative health and fitness consequences. The social buffering hypothesis conceptualizes one possible mediating mechanism: During stressful situations the presence of close social partners buffers against the adverse effects of increased physiological stress levels. We tested this hypothesis using data on social (rate of aggression received) and environmental (low temperatures) stressors in wild male Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) in Morocco. These males form strong, enduring, and equitable affiliative relationships similar to human friendships. We tested the effect of the strength of a male's top three social bonds on his fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) levels as a function of the stressors' intensity. The attenuating effect of stronger social bonds on physiological stress increased both with increasing rates of aggression received and with decreasing minimum daily temperature. Ruling out thermoregulatory and immediate effects of social interactions on fGCM levels, our results indicate that male Barbary macaques employ a tend-and-befriend coping strategy in the face of increased environmental as well as social day-to-day stressors. This evidence of a stress-ameliorating effect of social bonding among males under natural conditions and beyond the mother-offspring, kin or pair bond broadens the generality of the social buffering hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Young
- Primate Social Evolution Group, Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour, Georg-August University, Göttingen 37077, Germany; Applied Behavioural Ecology and Ecosystems Research Unit, University of South Africa, Florida 1710, South Africa;
| | - Bonaventura Majolo
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, United Kingdom; and
| | - Michael Heistermann
- The Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Oliver Schülke
- Primate Social Evolution Group, Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour, Georg-August University, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Julia Ostner
- Primate Social Evolution Group, Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour, Georg-August University, Göttingen 37077, Germany
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34
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Male social bonds and rank predict supporter selection in cooperative aggression in wild Barbary macaques. Anim Behav 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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35
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Thunström M, Kuchenbuch P, Young C. Concealing of facial expressions by a wild Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus). Primates 2014; 55:369-75. [DOI: 10.1007/s10329-014-0423-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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36
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McFarland R, Barrett L, Boner R, Freeman NJ, Henzi SP. Behavioral flexibility of vervet monkeys in response to climatic and social variability. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2014; 154:357-64. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard McFarland
- Brain Function Research Group; School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand; Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Louise Barrett
- Brain Function Research Group; School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand; Johannesburg South Africa
- Department of Psychology; University of Lethbridge; Lethbridge Canada
| | - Ria Boner
- Applied Behavioural Ecology and Ecosystem Research Unit; University of South Africa; Johannesburg South Africa
| | - Natalie J. Freeman
- Department of Psychology; University of Lethbridge; Lethbridge Canada
- Applied Behavioural Ecology and Ecosystem Research Unit; University of South Africa; Johannesburg South Africa
| | - S. Peter Henzi
- Department of Psychology; University of Lethbridge; Lethbridge Canada
- Applied Behavioural Ecology and Ecosystem Research Unit; University of South Africa; Johannesburg South Africa
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Girard-Buttoz C, Heistermann M, Rahmi E, Marzec A, Agil M, Fauzan PA, Engelhardt A. Mate-guarding constrains feeding activity but not energetic status of wild male long-tailed macaques ( Macaca fascicularis). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2014; 68:583-595. [PMID: 24659851 PMCID: PMC3950606 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-013-1673-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mate-guarding is an important determinant of male reproductive success in a number of species. Little is known however about the constraints of this behaviour, e.g. the associated energetic costs. We investigated these costs in long-tailed macaques where alpha males mate guard females to a lesser extent than predicted by the priority of access model. The study was carried out during two mating periods on three wild groups living in the Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia. We combined behavioural observations on males’ locomotion and feeding activity, GPS records of distance travelled and non-invasive measurements of urinary C-peptide (UCP), a physiological indicator of male energetic status. Mate-guarding led to a decrease in feeding time and fruit consumption suggesting a reduced intake of energy. At the same time, vertical locomotion was reduced, which potentially saved energy. These findings, together with the fact that we did not find an effect of mate-guarding on UCP levels, suggest that energy intake and expenditure was balanced during mate-guarding in our study males. Mate-guarding thus seems to not be energetically costly under all circumstances. Given that in strictly seasonal rhesus macaques, high-ranking males lose physical condition over the mating period, we hypothesise that the energetic costs of mate-guarding vary inter-specifically depending on the degree of seasonality and that males of non-strictly seasonal species might be better adapted to maintain balanced energetic condition year-round. Finally, our results illustrate the importance of combining behavioural assessments of both energy intake and expenditure with physiological measures when investigating energetic costs of behavioural strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Girard-Buttoz
- Jr. Research Group Primate Sexual Selection, Reproductive Biology Unit, German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, Germany
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Erdiansyah Rahmi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Anna Marzec
- Jr. Research Group Primate Sexual Selection, Reproductive Biology Unit, German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Panji Ahmad Fauzan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Antje Engelhardt
- Jr. Research Group Primate Sexual Selection, Reproductive Biology Unit, German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, Germany
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Young C, Hähndel S, Majolo B, Schülke O, Ostner J. Male coalitions and female behaviour affect male mating success independent of dominance rank and female receptive synchrony in wild Barbary macaques. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-013-1577-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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