An investigation of the organization of pigtail monkey groups through the use of challenges

Abstract

In a sequence of tests challenging pigtail monkey groups through presentation of a variety of stimuli in an openable release box, or by humans directly, it was found that the control male responded to direct challenges to the group and that other males were most active when the challenge was less direct, i.e., contained in a box. Immature males opened the box and were in the vicinity of the stimulus box more than any other group members, regardless of box content. On most trials with group members serving as stimuli, subordinate animals did not approach or release higher status animals. Findings were consistent with other reports of the organization of macaque, baboon, and capuchin social groups.