Variability in behavior frequencies and consistency in transactions across seasons in captive Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)

Abstract

Consistent interspecific differences are found in macaque species, ranging from highly hierarchical and nepotistic societies to more tolerant and open social organizations. It still remains to be demonstrated whether intraspecific variation is narrower than interspecific variation. Herein, we quantified social behavior in a captive group of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) to estimate the range of intraspecific variation for a full array of measurements in three different seasons. Despite an increased frequency of aggression found on the part of males during the mating season, the form of the behaviors performed remained relatively unchanged. Transactions during conflicts, approaches, or grooming did not undergo significant variations in relation to season. Frequencies and durations seemed more sensitive to demographic and environmental variations. The values measured in the study group are representative of the Japanese macaque. The results validate the use of transaction measurements in interspecific comparisons, providing that additional factors such as age and sex are taken into account. Aggr. Behav. 29:81-93,

Sex and season predict wounds in zoo‐housed Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata): A multi‐institutional study

“…Our findings differ from at least one previous account by Ruehlmann et al (1988) who report increased wounding rates in the birthing season for captive seasonal breeders such as rhesus macaques. However, behavioral data from wild Japanese macaques is consistent with the seasonal patterns of wounding reported here; it is well established that aggressive behaviors by Japanese macaques peak during the mating season, especially aggression by males (Abegg, Petit, & Theirry, 2003; Eaton, Modahl, & Johnson, 1981; Jack, 2012). Wilson and Boelkins (1970) reported that free‐ranging rhesus macaque males (but not females) were wounded and died more frequently during the mating season compared to any other time of the year.…”

Where do we stand with the covariation framework in primate societies?

“…Social styles appear to be fairly stable within each species, provided that studies compare the same categories of individuals, using the same variables measured with standardized methods under similar conditions. Living conditions, population density, and reproductive seasonality have been shown to have limited effects on well‐documented traits such as intensity of aggression, rates of counter‐aggression, and rates of reconciliation (Abegg et al, 2003; Aureli, 1992; Balasubramaniam et al, 2012; Colmenares, 2006; Demaria & Thierry, 1989; Judge & de Waal, 1997; Majolo & Koyama, 2006; Schino et al, 1998). The magnitude of variation appears to be significantly smaller within species than between species (Balasubramaniam et al, 2012; Butovskaya & Kozintsev, 1996; Castles et al, 1996; Duboscq et al, 2013; Rebout et al, 2020; Sueur et al, 2011; Thierry et al, 2008; Tyrrell et al, 2020).…”

Extending the MaqFACS to measure facial movement in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) reveals a wide repertoire potential

“…Before animal FACS were developed, Kanazawa [ 47 ] noted that FACS was the most standardised tool for human facial expressions, but without knowing how FACS could be translated to macaques, the author not only questioned previous results investigating facial expressions, but also stated that it was very difficult to identify critical facial movements. This might be why studies of Japanese macaque behaviour usually have very few facial behaviours included [ 48 – 50 ] even though face-to-face engagement is important in Japanese macaque social interactions [ 51 , 52 ].…”