Social ecology of adult males in a confined troop of Japanese macaques ( Macaca fuscata)

Abstract

Younger subjects among the 20 adult males in the Oregon troop of Japanese macaques ( Macaca fuscata) had more diverse patterns of use of resting areas. Rank was correlated with consistency of use of paths, as males of lower rank made ‘detours’ to avoid other animals. Males of higher rank used the most preferred and least abundant resting and movement areas and ate from the densest food patches. Old males and males of high rank were more site-attached to shelter areas. Site-attachment may decrease agonistic encounters, since low-ranking males routinely avoided areas most often used by the site-attached and high-ranking males. Alteration of site-attachment by manipulation of resource distribution may alter frequency of agonistic encounters.