Primates

, Volume 26, Issue 1, pp 95–98 | Cite as

Grooming and touching behaviour in captive ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta L.)

  • Geoffrey R. Hosey
  • Robin J. Thompson
Short Communication
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

The distribution of grooming and touching behaviours was recorded in a group of captive ring-tailed lemurs. Grooming was found to be performed chiefly by older, higher ranking animals; touching (i.e., “reach out and touch” behaviour) was directed primarily by younger, low ranking animals to older, high ranking individuals. It is suggested that such touching is a submissive gesture in this species.

Key Words

Lemur catta Touching Grooming Submissive behaviour 
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Copyright information

© Japan Monkey Centre 1985

Authors and Affiliations

  • Geoffrey R. Hosey
    • 1
  • Robin J. Thompson
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of PsychologyBolton Institute of Higher EducationBoltonEngland

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