Social relationships in a newly established all-male group of lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus) (1998)

Hermann, F., Kaumanns, W.

Abstract

Observations covered the first nine weeks [after group formation]. The males interacted rarely. In 8 of 15 dyads grooming occurred. Aggressive behaviour normally occurred without physical contact. ... The males showed a tendency to use the same or adjacent rooms of their enclosure and did not maximize individual distances. It is assumed that they tended to increase social control by permanently monitoring each other. This forced them to stay close to each other. Indications of social stress (fights and two cases of disease which might have had a stress component) are discussed as being possibly related to inadequate spacing patterns. ... The all-male group was terminated after four months in order to avoid further risks. [Group formation protocol is not described.]