The importance of first impression judgements in interspecies interactions

Abstract

Close human-wildlife interactions are rapidly growing, particularly due to wildlife tourism popularity. Using both laboratory and ecological observation studies we explored potential interspecies communication signalling mechanisms underpinning human-animal approach behaviour, which to date have been unclear. First impression ratings (n = 227) of Barbary macaques' social and health traits were related to the macaques' facial morphology and their observed behaviour supporting a shared facial signalling system in primates. These ratings significantly predicted intended approach to the macaques during hypothetical interactions. Finally, real-world interspecies proximity was observed and found to be best predicted by the interaction between human first impression perception and animal behaviour. Specifically, perceived macaque health in interaction with actual macaque dominance drives close interactions despite human proclivity to avoid dominant animals, raising safety concerns in interspecies interactions.

Figure 1

Distribution of the average distance in meters participants reported being willing to approach each macaque for the three conditions: approach, feeding or taking a photograph.

Figure 2

Relationship between the interaction of perceived health and actual macaque dominance and observed human-macaque proximity by macaque sex (male and female).

Figure 3

Facial landmarking guides (example: Barbary Macaque Pe1). Image A demonstrates the positioning of bizygomatic width and upper face height, required for measuring fWHR. Image B shows the facial landmarks required for measuring baby schema. The green lines act as guides as it is the length of the blue lines or distance between the blue dots that were measured.