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Coalition formation among male Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus)
A Widdig1, W J Streich, G Tembrock
1Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany. anja.widdig@charite.de
American Journal of Primatology
|December 10, 1999
Summary
Male Barbary macaques form coalitions through kin selection, reciprocal altruism, and cooperation. Supporting relatives and engaging in self-interested alliances are key drivers of coalition formation in this species.
Area of Science:
- Ethology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Primatology
Background:
- Coalition formation is a triadic interaction where one animal supports another against a third party.
- Understanding the evolutionary drivers of coalitionary support is crucial in social species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying theories of coalition formation in male Barbary macaques.
- To determine whether kin selection, reciprocal altruism, or cooperation best explains these alliances.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of 31 semi-free-ranging male Barbary macaques during the mating season.
- Analysis of intervention patterns in dyadic conflicts to identify supporter, recipient, and target relationships.
Main Results:
- Males preferentially supported related individuals, with closer kin receiving more support.
- Evidence for reciprocal support was observed, potentially as a byproduct of dominance interactions.
- Non-kin coalitions were best explained by cooperation, driven by immediate self-interests, often to stabilize rank.
Conclusions:
- Coalition formation in male Barbary macaques is multifaceted, involving kin support, reciprocal altruism, and cooperation.
- Both genetic relatedness and self-interest play significant roles in alliance formation.
- The findings suggest a complex interplay of evolutionary strategies in primate social behavior.
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