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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Sampling and Analysis of Animal Scent Signals

Sampling and Analysis of Animal Scent Signals

Published on: February 13, 2021

Evidence for scent marking in vervet monkeys?

N J Freeman¹, G M Pasternak, T L Rubi

¹Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada. nataliejeanfreeman@gmail.com

Primates; Journal of Primatology

|March 10, 2012

Summary

Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) may use chest rubbing as a scent-marking behavior, particularly higher-ranking males during the breeding season in territorial areas. Further research is needed to confirm the role of olfactory cues in catarrhine communication.

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Area of Science:

Primatology
Ethology
Animal Behavior

Background:

Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) exhibit conspicuous chest-rubbing behavior.
The function of this behavior, specifically as scent marking, remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess whether chest rubbing in vervet monkeys serves as a form of scent marking.
To investigate the social and ecological contexts associated with chest-rubbing behavior.

Main Methods:

Observational data were collected from two free-ranging troops of vervet monkeys.
Behavioral patterns of chest rubbing were analyzed in relation to social rank, breeding season, and territorial encounters.

Main Results:

Chest rubbing was more frequent in higher-ranking males.
The behavior was more prevalent during the breeding season and in areas where territorial encounters occurred.
Chest rubbing was not directly triggered by inter-troop encounters.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that chest rubbing in vervet monkeys is likely a scent-marking behavior.
This behavior is associated with social status and territoriality, particularly in males.
Olfactory cues may play a significant role in communication among catarrhine primates.