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Intragroup lethal aggression in wild spider monkeys.

Alejandra Valero1, Colleen M Schaffner, Laura G Vick

  • 1School of Psychology, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland.

American Journal of Primatology
|June 21, 2006
PubMed
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Intragroup aggression in spider monkeys can be fatal. This study documents the first evidence of coalitionary aggression leading to the death of a wild young adult male spider monkey in Mexico.

Area of Science:

  • Primatology
  • Behavioral Ecology
  • Zoology

Background:

  • Spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) are highly social primates.
  • Intragroup aggression is observed in many primate species, but lethal aggression is rare.
  • Long-term studies are crucial for understanding complex social dynamics in wild populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first documented case of intragroup coalitionary aggression resulting in death in wild spider monkeys.
  • To investigate the factors contributing to lethal aggression within a spider monkey community.

Main Methods:

  • Long-term field observation of a habituated spider monkey community.
  • Detailed recording of aggressive incidents and injuries sustained by individuals.
  • Analysis of the circumstances surrounding a fatal intragroup attack.

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Main Results:

  • A young adult male spider monkey sustained repeated severe injuries over several months.
  • The same male was fatally attacked by at least one adult male within his social group.
  • Evidence suggests coalitionary aggression played a role in the fatal attack.

Conclusions:

  • Intragroup coalitionary aggression can lead to mortality in wild spider monkeys.
  • Understanding the drivers of such aggression is vital for primate conservation.
  • This case highlights the potential for lethal conflict within social groups.