Abstract
Interactions of asymmetrical, symmetrical, and unreciprocated greeting, and episodes of aggression and coalitions observed between 18 males, members of a large multi-harem colony of baboons (Papio hamadryas, P. cynocephalus, and their hybrids) housed in the Madrid Zoo, were recorded throughout 11 time blocks between January 1983 and March 1985. The major question investigated was whether the demographic characteristics of the colony affected the frequency with which males used three behavioural strategies, namely, greeting, aggression, and coalitions. It was found that under demographic conditions eliciting more intense male-male competition, for example, when the ratio of oestrous cycles per adult male was lower, males exchanged frequent greetings, especially the symmetrical form (i.e. notifying) and solicited more coalitions, but did not show any significant change in rates of dyadic aggression. Male phenotype-related effects on rates of greeting and coalitions were found as well. Results are discussed in relation with the suggested role of greeting and of coalition behaviour as strategies used in the negotiation of changes in competitive social relationship (e.g. consort changeovers). These strategies are regarded as social tactics alternative to direct aggression.
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Colmenares, F. Greeting, aggression, and coalitions between male baboons: Demographic correlates. Primates 32, 453–463 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02381936
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02381936