A comparison of mother and nonmother behaviors during birth season in two species of captive macaques

Abstract

9 adult rhesus macaque females (Macaca mulatta) and 7 adult bonnet macaque females (Macaca radiata) were observed during the birth season to identify possible differences between mothers and nonmothers in time budgets and social interactions. Rhesus mothers spent less time moving, feeding, grooming others and aiding others than rhesus nonmothers did. Bonnet mothers spent less time resting and moving, but more time in huddling groups than bonnet nonmothers did. Mothers of both species were approached more than nonmothers, and fed more often near others. The presence of a dependent infant not only alters female time budgets, but also changes social interactions between adult females and other group members.