Social structure of a colony of Macaca mulatta (1956)

Chance, M. R. A.

Abstract

1. Various methods of observation were tried in order to obtain accurate records of individual behaviour in a social environment. Observing one individual for about an hour and recording the behaviour every two minutes was found to be the most practicable and reliable procedure. 2. A list of the different acts of this monkey is given and the component elements of the equilibratory response in agonistic situations are recorded. 3. The main social features and the changes with times are described. A close affinity and an order of rank between the only three adult males is described and it is pointed out that, as reflected in the behaviour of the two top ranking males, the affinity remains unaltered even with the advent of oestrus in a number of females (ultimately ten in number). The third in the hierarchy behaved differently as a result of the change in the behaviour of the adult females. His behaviour regressed to a more infantile type. 4. The persistent affinity of the males for each other contrasts strikingly with that of the adult females which possess no constant association. It is suggested that the bond between the adult males is per se an adequate foundation for the sociability of these monkeys enabling the breeding pairs to remain together when sexual conflict is aroused by the simultaneous presence of more than one oestrus female.