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Male-directed infanticide in spider monkeys (Ateles spp.)
Sara Alvarez1, Anthony Di Fiore, Jane Champion
1Proyecto Primates, Bogotá, Colombia.
Primates; Journal of Primatology
|November 7, 2014
Summary
Infanticide in spider monkeys, particularly male-biased killings of infants, is uncommon but may be more prevalent than observed. This behavior might influence group dynamics and sex ratios.
Area of Science:
- Primate Behavioral Ecology
- Mammalian Sexual Conflict
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Infanticide is a significant aspect of sexual conflict in mammals, observed in over 35 primate species.
- Spider monkeys exhibit unique patterns of infanticide, differing from typical primate societies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and analyze cases of infanticide in spider monkeys (Ateles genus).
- To investigate the patterns, perpetrators, and potential drivers of infanticide within spider monkey social groups.
Main Methods:
- Observation and documentation of suspected and attempted infanticide cases in spider monkeys.
- Analysis of existing literature on infanticide in the genus Ateles.
Main Results:
- Eight cases of infanticide in spider monkeys were identified, all targeting male infants within their first weeks of life.
- Infanticides appear to be perpetrated by adult males within the same social group, not linked to male takeovers.
- Unlike other primates, infanticide in spider monkeys is not sex-independent and is directed towards males.
Conclusions:
- The male-biased infanticide in spider monkeys may be influenced by intragroup male competition and cooperation needs.
- Infanticide might be more common than currently documented due to difficulties in observing early-life events in fission-fusion societies.
- This behavior could impact spider monkey group composition and contribute to observed female-biased adult sex ratios.