Inter-group encounters and female transfer in mountain gorillas: Influence of group composition on male behavior

This paper examines the behaviors used by male gorillas (G. gorilla beringei) to influence female choice during inter-group encounters. Encounters are related to the acquisition of females rather than to the defense of a group's range. Data on 58 independent encounters confirms that encounters are generally aggressive, but that contact aggression is less frequent than previously reported. A high number of potential migrants in one of the groups involved, rather than the newness of either group, predicts the likelihood of contact aggression between males. Encounters with a newly formed unit last longer than encounters involving established groups. Male herding serves to prevent female transfer. Females without dependent offspring are more likely than others to be herded. Proceptive females are the target of herding more often than non-proceptive cycling females. Groups where herding has been observed are more likely to be newly formed, and they include significantly more males. This last result confirms that there are advantages to male cooperation in gorillas. It also raises the question of why such cooperation does not occur more often. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.