Intergroup interactions in crested macaques (Macaca nigra)

Laura Martinez Inigo, PhD student, University of Lincoln, UK and BSc student Rismayanti, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia - 2018 completed

Intergroup interactions are key aspects of primate social life. They can determine space usage and access to resources. This, in turn, can have enormous impacts on intragroup dynamics such as behaviour and demography. Despite their importance, intergroup interactions are one of the least studied parts of primate socio-ecology. This project aims to address the topic in an integrative manner investigating the questions:

1) Do groups avoid encountering each other? If so, what mechanisms do they use?

2) What factors explain whether an individual participates in an intergroup conflict?

3) Do intergroup encounters alter the behavioural patterns within the groups?

4) What is the role of kin relationships in intergroup encounters?

5) Is there intergroup dominance? If so, what factors determine it and what are the consequences?

These questions will be explored by studying groups of black crested macaques. Data collection will involveData collection will involvebehavioural observations, spatial data collection and non-invasive sample collection for DNA analyses.