Personality Assessment of Synanthropic Rhesus Macaques: Implications and Challenges DOI Creative Commons

Taniya Gill,

Anshul Gautam,

Jorg J. M. Massen

et al.

American Journal of Primatology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 87(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Answers to the question of what characteristics allow animals thrive in human‐dominated environments remain elusive. Consistent interindividual differences or personalities can potentially explain functional significance habitat‐specific traits that enable coexist with humans. Rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta ) are most successful nonhuman primates Anthropocene, living diverse climatic and environmental conditions. Studying synanthropic rhesus macaques, is, those anthropogenic habitats, provide insights into biological facilitating their success. We planned a multi‐method “bottom‐up” approach behavioral observations novelty experiments, standardized for assessing captive primates, evaluate adult N = 52 ). Novelty experiments encountered significant challenges, limiting effectiveness. So, we continued form focal sampling, revealed two repeatable traits, subjectively labeled as social tension meekness . found an association sex tension, where males exhibited higher than females. In additional analysis, individuals obtained food through contact provisioning had scores trait noncontact provisioning. discuss how observed personality may offer adaptive advantages environments, despotic face both benefits costs (including social) setting. also emphasize protocols designed conditions not be directly applicable free‐living animals. The study underscores need reconsider obtain comparable measures between non‐captive populations. This would enhance ecological validity assessments. Nevertheless, empirically identifying using species valuable mechanisms certain amidst rapid expansion activities.

Language: Английский

Personality Assessment of Synanthropic Rhesus Macaques: Implications and Challenges DOI Creative Commons

Taniya Gill,

Anshul Gautam,

Jorg J. M. Massen

et al.

American Journal of Primatology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 87(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Answers to the question of what characteristics allow animals thrive in human‐dominated environments remain elusive. Consistent interindividual differences or personalities can potentially explain functional significance habitat‐specific traits that enable coexist with humans. Rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta ) are most successful nonhuman primates Anthropocene, living diverse climatic and environmental conditions. Studying synanthropic rhesus macaques, is, those anthropogenic habitats, provide insights into biological facilitating their success. We planned a multi‐method “bottom‐up” approach behavioral observations novelty experiments, standardized for assessing captive primates, evaluate adult N = 52 ). Novelty experiments encountered significant challenges, limiting effectiveness. So, we continued form focal sampling, revealed two repeatable traits, subjectively labeled as social tension meekness . found an association sex tension, where males exhibited higher than females. In additional analysis, individuals obtained food through contact provisioning had scores trait noncontact provisioning. discuss how observed personality may offer adaptive advantages environments, despotic face both benefits costs (including social) setting. also emphasize protocols designed conditions not be directly applicable free‐living animals. The study underscores need reconsider obtain comparable measures between non‐captive populations. This would enhance ecological validity assessments. Nevertheless, empirically identifying using species valuable mechanisms certain amidst rapid expansion activities.

Language: Английский

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