Group fission in Nilgiri langurs (Presbytis johnii)

Hohmann, G (1989) Group fission in Nilgiri langurs (Presbytis johnii). In: International Journal of Primatology, 10 (5). pp. 441-454.

PDF group.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (850kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

During a field study on habituated groups of wild Nilgiri langurs (Presbytis johnii), four cases of group fission were observed which differed markedly from group changes reported in other species of the same genus. All fissions occurred in groups with more than one mature male and roughly coincided with the onset of loud call vocalization by the second mature male group member. As a result of the fission the founder group factions acquired the structure of a onemale group. The filial factions consisted of both mature males and females and occupied, at least temporarily, a part of, or an area adjacent to, the founder group. During fission, the amount of aggressive interactions between the two mature males increased. However, the majority of agonistic interactions involved ritualized threat and intimidation behavior without physical aggression. In at least three cases the two mature males involved in the fission had not joined recently but had lived in these groups for three years or more. Although the presence of all male bands and single males in the two study populations indicate that male replacement by invasive takeovers may occur, it is suggested that in Nilgiri langurs, noninvasive fissions are probably another common mechanism for the foundation and maintenance of bisexual one-male groups.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	International Journal of Primatology
Publisher:	Springer
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Springer.
Department/Centre:	Division of Biological Sciences > Centre for Ecological Sciences
Date Deposited:	16 Jul 2010 06:59
Last Modified:	22 Oct 2018 15:04
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/29290

Actions (login required)

View Item