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The myth of the aggressive monkey.

Viktor Reinhardt1

  • 1Animal Welfare Institute, Washington, DC, USA. viktorawi@siskiyou.net

Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science : JAAWS
|October 14, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Captive rhesus macaques are not inherently aggressive. Poor husbandry and handling practices can provoke aggression in these research animals, challenging the myth of the naturally aggressive monkey.

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Area of Science:

  • Primate ethology
  • Animal behavior research
  • Laboratory animal science

Background:

  • Rhesus macaques are widely used in research settings.
  • Aggression in captive primates is a significant concern for animal welfare and research integrity.
  • The perception of rhesus macaques as naturally aggressive is a common misconception.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the factors contributing to aggression in captive rhesus macaques.
  • To challenge the myth of inherent aggression in this species.
  • To emphasize the role of management practices in primate behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Review of ethological principles relevant to primate management.
  • Analysis of common husbandry and handling practices in research laboratories.
  • Correlation of management deficiencies with observed aggressive behaviors.

Main Results:

  • Captive rhesus macaques exhibit aggression primarily as a response to suboptimal environmental and handling conditions.
  • Aggression is directed towards both conspecifics and human handlers.
  • Failure to apply basic ethological knowledge in management settings is a key factor.

Conclusions:

  • The perceived aggression of rhesus macaques is largely a product of poor management, not innate disposition.
  • Implementing sound ethological principles in husbandry and handling is crucial for mitigating aggression.
  • Correcting management practices can improve welfare and reduce behavioral issues in laboratory macaques.

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