Abstract
Temporary associations with conspecifics provide critical opportunities for the acquisition and development of socioecological skills, especially in species where these interaction opportunities are not readily available. In fact, social interactions can have far-reaching consequences for the cultural and communicative repertoire on both the species and population level. However, to what extent interaction rates are linked to association patterns, which depend on individual and ecological factors, is often overlooked. Here, we examined the sources of variation in immatures’ social behaviour, in relation to both activity and partner type, in one Sumatran (Suaq) and one Bornean population (Tuanan) of wild orang-utans ( Pongo spp.) that are known to differ in sociability. Specifically, we examined to what extent the time spent in social interactions and with specific social partners was related to study population, but also individual (e.g. age), ecological (food availability) and social variables (e.g. presence of specific associates). Overall, we found that study population and the presence of specific associates (siblings, peers, adult males) had a profound effect on the occurrence of different social activities, while local variation in food availability did not appear to play a major role. Although proportions of time spent in interactions was overall higher at Suaq, we found no difference between the two sites regarding the use of interaction opportunities when partners were available. Begging was mainly directed at mothers, whereas peers and older siblings served primarily as play partners, and unflanged males were frequent targets of social gazing. Our study suggests that orang-utan infants use interaction opportunities differently depending on social partners and interaction type. • We examined social interactions in infant orang-utans of two wild populations. • Analyses focused on three specific social activities with different partners. • Study site and presence of specific associates affected interaction rates. • Population differences in interaction time mirror differences in sociability.
Highlights
Temporary associations with conspecifics provide critical opportunities for the acquisition and development of socioecological skills, especially in species where these interaction opportunities are not readily available
We examined the sources of variation in immatures’ social behaviour, in relation to both activity and partner type, in one Sumatran (Suaq) and one Bornean population (Tuanan) of wild orang-utans (Pongo spp.) that are known to differ in sociability
We examined to what extent the time spent in social interactions and with specific social partners was related to study population, and individual, ecological and social variables
Summary
Temporary associations with conspecifics provide critical opportunities for the acquisition and development of socioecological skills, especially in species where these interaction opportunities are not readily available. The orang-utans’ socioecology differs from that of the African apes with respect to an individual-based fissionefusion structure (van Schaik, 1999), female philopatry and male dispersal (Arora et al, 2012; Ashbury et al, 2020; Nater et al, 2011; van Noordwijk et al, 2012) Owing to their rather solitary nature and long interbirth intervals (van Noordwijk et al, 2018; Wich et al, 2004), it has been presumed that mothers have a large influence on their infants’ behavioural development (Bard, 1992). In contrast to associations with other females (e.g. opportunities for social play for dependent offspring: van Noordwijk et al, 2012), social benefits from associations with males that reach beyond mating opportunities and protection against other males are currently unknown (but see Mo€rchen, 2016)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
