Aggression in captive macaques: Interaction of social and spacial factors (1979)

Erwin, J.

Abstract

Providing a male-dominated group access to two rooms (more space) rather than one (less space) allowed some animals to be out of the dominant male's sight. Loss of the male's control over his group resulted in a dramatic increase in aggression among the females. The data reported here have shown that social factors usually outweigh spacial factors. ... Social disruption is probably the most devastating problem encountered by domestic breeders and displayers of primates. Every effort should be made to establish breeding colonies that allow maintenance of long-term bonds. ... Provision of cover reduced violence. Formation of new groups has resulted in more casualties than any other procedure at the RPRC Field Station.