Social relationships existing among gelada (Theropithecus gelada) males in Zoo Zlín

Abstract

This study was focused on the monitoring of behaviour and complex social relationships existing among gelada (Theropithecus gelada) monkeys. The study involved a group of five males that were raised in captivity in the Zoo Zlín – Lešná. Ethological monitoring was performed by means of photographing of the group behaviour of these animals. Studied were the basic forms of social behaviour, i.e. food collection (foraging), free movement, (locomotion) observing of the neighbourhood (watching), grooming, climbing on trees, playing, aggressive behaviour (fighting), and resting. The temporary point of view, foraging was the most important time-consuming activity (55.3 ± 2.0 % of the study time); its maximum frequencies occurred in time intervals of 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.. The second place was occupied by the locomotion (15.3 ± 4.1 % of the study time) and its maximum frequencies were recorded between 9 and 11 a.m. and between 2 and 3 p.m. Grooming was the third most important activity (8.5 ± 4.8 % of the study time). The distribution of periods of rest (7.5 ± 3.1 % of the study time) was relatively uniform and its maxima were observed between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Observing of the neighbourhood and climbing on trees occupied 5.6 ± 3.3 % and 3.6 ± 3.0 % of the time, respectively and playing was the least frequent activity (2.2 ± 9.0 % of the study time), similarly as the aggressive behaviour (2.0 ± 23.0 % of the study time).

Keywords

• gelada
• Theropithecus gelada
• behaviour
• grooming
• playing
• aggressivity