Intergroup interactions in wild Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), Ghomaran Rif mountains, Morocco
1Université de Montréal, Canada.
American Journal of Primatology
|January 24, 2020
Summary
Intergroup encounters in Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) reveal significant competition, with half of interactions leading to displacement or agonism. Phenomena like "herding" are likely rare or observational errors.
Area of Science:
- Primatology
- Ethology
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) live in multimale, female-bonded groups.
- Understanding intergroup dynamics is crucial for primate behavioral ecology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze intergroup interactions in wild Barbary macaques.
- To compare findings with existing literature on the species.
Main Methods:
- Observation of six Barbary macaque groups in the Moroccan Rif mountains.
- Classification of intergroup encounters based on proximity and interaction type.
- Comparison with a previous study on Barbary macaque intergroup interactions.
Main Results:
- Intergroup encounters occurred at a rate of 0.026 per observation hour.
- Encounters were categorized as neutral, approach-retreat, or agonistic, with displacement observed in the latter two.
- Approximately 50% of encounters in this and another study resulted in displacement or agonism, indicating competition.
Conclusions:
- "Herding" behavior in Barbary macaques is likely rare or an observational artifact.
- Findings support the hypothesis of intergroup competition in this species.
- Data align with Wrangham's model for female-bonded, multimale primate groups.
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