Status interactions of captive female lowland gorillas

Agonistic interactions and incentive competition data were examined both under paired confrontations and during a 2-month group living situation. These preliminary data suggest the presence of interactions which may be operationally described as a quasilinear dominance structure for female gorillas. Particular rankings appear to be sensitive to the total social situation and change to readapt to modifications induced in the social environment. These findings are hypothesized to reflect the overall adaptation of this species in terms of spatial deployment, other signaling systems and the physical characteristics of the animals. Priority to incentives was found to be a valid measure of assertion and competitive success, and appears to be only indirectly related to other motivational states.