Social relationships in a captive group of Diana monkeys (Cercopithecus diana)

Abstract

A captive, unimale breeding group of Diana monkeys was observed during the development of three infants, and a quantitative description of social interactions is presented. Adult females associate with females of adjacent rank, while the adult male and juvenile are peripheral. Dominance rank determines, for each dyad of adults, which animal has the major role in maintaining mutual proximity, as well as priority of access to preferred foods. Initially, a new infant is a focus of attention for all animals, but with time the infant takes over the main role in maintaining proximity: first to the mother, then to other young animals and finally to the other adult female. The adult male's behaviour towards an infant is qualitatively different to that of other animals. The possible origins of this pattern of behaviour is discussed in terms of selective advantages to a female-bonded, uni-male monkey.