Allocare patterns among cercopithecines

Cercopithecines show two general patterns of allocare. Many guenons permit extensive contact with young infants, while most baboons and macaques restrict early contact. Here social, ecological and life history variables among cercopithecines are examined for evidence of relationships with allocare patterns. This analysis suggests that in this group early allocare is most extensive in species with relatively relaxed social relationships among females, marked seasonal breeding and rapid rates of reproduction.