ADAPTATIONS AND TOLERANCE OF GROUP LIVING IN MACAQUES

ADAPTATIONS AND TOLERANCE OF GROUP LIVING IN MACAQUES

An important advantage that macaques have in the competition for survival is their practice of living in societies which have constant close association of young and old throughout their lifetimes.

Young macaques learn survival skills from experienced, knowledgeable adults. The result is that by the time macaques are mature, they are usually proficient in dealing with each other and the environment. While macaque instinctive survival skills are minimal, their social skills are unusually effective. Acting together in groups, they often can avoid or intimidate predators.

Groups of macaques also have a greater opportunity in discovering and controlling food sources than lone macaques would.

Macaques usually search for food in a dispersed pattern within their territory. This increases the likelihood that food sources will not be missed.

Macaques do not use calls to inform others when they find food. The message spreads slowly and reaches the entire group only if the food is abundant. Macaques can get stingy, except when dealing with younger individuals. When macaques observe another member of the troop stuffing food into his or her mouth, they usually rush over to get some as well. Inadvertently, the macaque who discovers a desirable food source communicates its presence by his or her actions. In this way, information about food sources is shared.

Here�s a short video capturing an interaction between Arwen, the oldest female in her troop, and her grandson who was trying to pry open her mouth to get some food from her cheek pouch. Have a look at how tolerant Arwen is of her grandson!

#SaveSGMonkeys #ACRES

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ACRESasia/videos/10153295843031523/

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ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

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