Japanese macaques (or snow monkeys) are generally considered to be a despotic species but cooperation with other group members (especially kin) is an important aspect of daily life. This includes support during intragroup aggression but also safety from the elements as part of a huddle. Due to their reputation and their rarity in captive settings, there are very few studies of cooepration in Japanese macaques. However, recent findings have shown intreresting variation in tolerance and cooperative success between groups.
Our latest project is delving further into the social dynamics of cooperation in this species with the group of 34 Japanese macaques living at the Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, Scotland. We are using a food-provisioning task that the whole group have access to along with observational data of their social relationships (social bonds and hierarchy).
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