Papers by Christophe Abegg
Animal Behaviour, Mar 1, 2008
Conflict resolution is an essential component of primate sociality that has been studied extensiv... more Conflict resolution is an essential component of primate sociality that has been studied extensively within primate social groups, but few studies have examined how conflict resolution behaviours covary at evolutionary scales. We assembled a standardized data set on social interactions of sexually mature females to analyse patterns of conflict resolution in 15 groups of nine macaque species. Between-group comparisons revealed no significant difference in nonkin reconciliation levels between groups of the same species, whereas substantial interspecific differences were found. We tested for associations between four behavioural traits involving reconciliation and dominance asymmetry that play a central role in primate social systems. Regression analyses using group values indicated that these traits (conciliatory tendencies, proportions of explicit reconciliatory contacts, kin bias and levels of counteraggression) exist as an integrated suite of characters. We found strong phylogenetic signal in most traits, which further indicates that they evolved during the adaptive radiation of macaques. Using the method of independent contrasts, relationships between conciliatory tendencies and proportions of explicit reconciliatory contacts and between kin bias and levels of counteraggression remained consistent after controlling for phylogeny. This reveals that evolutionary change in one trait leads to correlated changes in other traits. Collectively, these results show how comparative studies of detailed behavioural interactions can be used to elucidate primate socioecology.
Behaviour, 1997
Patterns of aggression and reconciliation were studied in three captive groups of monkeys belongi... more Patterns of aggression and reconciliation were studied in three captive groups of monkeys belonging to different species: Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata), crested macaques (M. nigra) and Guinea baboons (Papio papio). Consistent differences were found comparing same dyads of individuals in the three groups. Aggression was often followed by retaliation and reconciliation in the group of crested macaques, such responses occurred less frequently in the group of Japanese macaques, more variable results were found in the group of Guinea baboons. Aggressive manual contacts occurred more frequently in crested macaques than in the other two groups. Rates of biting did not differ consistently among groups but bites could induce bleeding in the group of Japanese macaques. The use of peaceful interventions in conflicts was common in crested macaques, rare in Guinea baboons and unobserved in Japanese macaques. Data from other studies indicate that the contrasts found between groups could be due to interspecific variation. The present results suggest that the covariation between conciliation rates, degree of symmetry in conflicts and level of intensity in aggression may stem from phylogenetic constraints.
Aggressive Behavior, 2003
ABSTRACT
Canadian Journal of Zoology, Mar 1, 1991
We compared diurnal activity patterns of isards (Rupicapra pyrenaica) within female herds around ... more We compared diurnal activity patterns of isards (Rupicapra pyrenaica) within female herds around the time of parturition in a Pyrenean reserve. From mid-April to mid-May, i.e., at the end of the gestation period, adult females spent significantly more time foraging (76 vs. 65%) and less time resting than yearlings did. From mid-June to mid-July, after the birth of kids, adult females and yearlings had exactly the same time budget (62% for foraging) and the same activity pattern, with a well-marked resting phase at midday. Analysis of data at 15-min intervals indicated synchronism in activity when animals leave the area by crossing the crest line, or when arriving at their foraging or resting phases. During the 2 first months of their life, kids had a polyphasic diurnal activity pattern characterized by four distinct foraging phases 4 h apart, and three peaks in resting activity between midday and evening. Nevertheless, some behavioural and physiological mechanisms permitted kids to synchronize their activity with that of other herd members.
Biological Journal of The Linnean Society, Apr 20, 2002
The evolution of primates is usually approached from the standpoint of adaptation and interspecif... more The evolution of primates is usually approached from the standpoint of adaptation and interspecific competition. However, climatic and eustatic changes associated with periodic glaciations have had a profound influence on their geographical distribution, favouring the intervention of contingency in evolution. This paper deals with the role of chance and competition in the dispersal and stocking of macaques in the islands of southeast Asia. The genus Macaca is unique among non-human primates for the range of habitats colonized, from continents to islands. We first review current knowledge about the zoogeography of macaques in Sundaland. We point out the inconsistencies present in the hypotheses thus far proposed to account for the colonization of shallow-and deep-water islands. We then propose a new perspective of macaque dispersal through the Indonesian archipelago, which takes into account sea-level changes, as well as latitudinal and altitudinal rainforest shifts following climatic cycles during the Quaternary. We envision three steps: (i) dispersal and partial disappearance of the first radiation of macaques; (ii) primary mainland recolonization by pigtailed and longtailed macaques; and (iii) secondary sea-rafting colonization by longtailed macaques. This model implies that liontailed, Sulawesi and Mentawai macaques stemmed from pre-glacial remnant populations, whereas pigtailed macaques originated in post-glacial populations that diverged later on. The model accounts for the distribution of longtailed macaques throughout the Indonesian archipelago. The riverine habits of this species would have favoured its dispersal by sea rafting, which was otherwise extremely rare for other primate species. Stocking would have been successful for longtailed macaques only in islands where no other macaque competitors were already present.
Pour expliquer la diversite des organisations sociales parmi la vingtaine d'especes que compr... more Pour expliquer la diversite des organisations sociales parmi la vingtaine d'especes que comprend le genre macaca, les modeles actuels font appel a l'action de contraintes externes, d'ordre ecologique. Le travail presente s'appuie sur l'hypothese que les variations des traits sociaux observees d'une espece de macaque a l'autre peuvent etre expliquees par l'action de contraintes internes, d'ordre epigenetique. Afin de confirmer cette hypothese, il est necessaire de reconnaitre les traits sociaux stables qui peuvent caracteriser une espece. Le travail de these a eu pour objectif d'evaluer la constance et la variabilite de 80 parametres comportementaux face a diverses conditions d'environnement, et cela chez deux especes de macaques. Trois groupes de macaques silenus (macaca silenus) maintenus dans differents environnements, et un groupe de macaques du japon (m. Fuscata) avant, pendant et apres la saison de reproduction ont ete observes a l'aide de l'echantillonnage par sujet, par comportement et en instantane. Des analyses de variance ainsi que differents tests non parametriques ont ete appliques pour eprouver la stabilite, ou au contraire, la sensibilite des differents parametres. Il apparait que le budget-temps, la distribution spatiale et les frequences absolues de comportements varient largement en fonction de la saison, du groupe ou de l'espace disponible lors d'un confinement. En revanche, les mesures en frequence relative presentent une inertie importante. Les taux de reconciliation, mais aussi la forme des conflits, du toilettage social et des approches, ainsi que les differences du comportement entre les sexes ont fluctue a l'interieur d'une marge de variation etroite. Ces resultats montrent la faisabilite des comparaisons interspecifiques a partir de parametres dont nous avons etabli la robustesse au niveau intraspecifique. Il s'agit d'un argument en faveur de la covariation des traits par des mecanismes internes dans l'organisation sociale des macaques.
International Journal of Primatology, Oct 1, 1996
... We have little information about dominance asymmetry, interindividual tolerance, rates of con... more ... We have little information about dominance asymmetry, interindividual tolerance, rates of conciliation and degree of kin bias in affdiative interactions among lion-tailed macaque groups. ... Ali, R. (1985). An overview of the status and distribution of the lion-tailed macaque. ...
Pour expliquer la diversite des organisations sociales parmi la vingtaine d'especes que compr... more Pour expliquer la diversite des organisations sociales parmi la vingtaine d'especes que comprend le genre macaca, les modeles actuels font appel a l'action de contraintes externes, d'ordre ecologique. Le travail presente s'appuie sur l'hypothese que les variations des traits sociaux observees d'une espece de macaque a l'autre peuvent etre expliquees par l'action de contraintes internes, d'ordre epigenetique. Afin de confirmer cette hypothese, il est necessaire de reconnaitre les traits sociaux stables qui peuvent caracteriser une espece. Le travail de these a eu pour objectif d'evaluer la constance et la variabilite de 80 parametres comportementaux face a diverses conditions d'environnement, et cela chez deux especes de macaques. Trois groupes de macaques silenus (macaca silenus) maintenus dans differents environnements, et un groupe de macaques du japon (m. Fuscata) avant, pendant et apres la saison de reproduction ont ete observes a l...
Canadian Journal of Zoology, 1991
We compared diurnal activity patterns of isards (Rupicapra pyrenaica) within female herds around ... more We compared diurnal activity patterns of isards (Rupicapra pyrenaica) within female herds around the time of parturition in a Pyrenean reserve. From mid-April to mid-May, i.e., at the end of the gestation period, adult females spent significantly more time foraging (76 vs. 65%) and less time resting than yearlings did. From mid-June to mid-July, after the birth of kids, adult females and yearlings had exactly the same time budget (62% for foraging) and the same activity pattern, with a well-marked resting phase at midday. Analysis of data at 15-min intervals indicated synchronism in activity when animals leave the area by crossing the crest line, or when arriving at their foraging or resting phases. During the 2 first months of their life, kids had a polyphasic diurnal activity pattern characterized by four distinct foraging phases 4 h apart, and three peaks in resting activity between midday and evening. Nevertheless, some behavioural and physiological mechanisms permitted kids to synchronize their activity with that of other herd members.
Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, Mar 31, 2002
The evolution of primates is usually approached from the standpoint of adaptation and interspecif... more The evolution of primates is usually approached from the standpoint of adaptation and interspecific competition. However, climatic and eustatic changes associated with periodic glaciations have had a profound influence on their geographical distribution, favouring the intervention of contingency in evolution. This paper deals with the role of chance and competition in the dispersal and stocking of macaques in the islands of south-east Asia. The genus Macaca is unique among non-human primates for the range of habitats colonized, from continents to islands. We first review current knowledge about the zoogeography of macaques in Sundaland. We point out the inconsistencies present in the hypotheses thus far proposed to account for the colonization of shallow-and deep-water islands. We then propose a new perspective of macaque dispersal through the Indonesian archipelago, which takes into account sea-level changes, as well as latitudinal and altitudinal rainforest shifts following climatic cycles during the Quaternary. We envision three steps: (i) dispersal and partial disappearance of the first radiation of macaques; (ii) primary mainland recolonization by pigtailed and longtailed macaques; and (iii) secondary sea-rafting colonization by longtailed macaques. This model implies that liontailed, Sulawesi and Mentawai macaques stemmed from pre-glacial remnant populations, whereas pigtailed macaques originated in post-glacial populations that diverged later on. The model accounts for the distribution of longtailed macaques throughout the Indonesian archipelago. The riverine habits of this species would have favoured its dispersal by sea rafting, which was otherwise extremely rare for other primate species. Stocking would have been successful for longtailed macaques only in islands where no other macaque competitors were already present. Table 1. Phyletic lineages and geographical distribution of macaque species (from Fooden, 1976, 1982; complemented with Groves, 2001) Species Distribution silenus-sylvanus lineage Barbary macaque (M. sylvanus) Algeria, Morocco liontailed macaque (M. silenus) South-west India pigtailed macaque (M. nemestrina) Indochinese peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo crested macaque (M. nigra) North Sulawesi Gorontalo macaque (M. nigrescens) North Sulawesi Heck's macaque (M. hecki) North Sulawesi Tonkean macaque (M. tonkeana) Central Sulawesi moor macaque (M. maurus) South-west Sulawesi booted macaque (M. ochreata) East Sulawesi Muna-Butung macaque (M. brunnescens) South-east Sulawesi Mentawai macaque (M. pagensis) Mentawai archipelago sinica-arctoides lineage toque macaque (M. sinica) Sri Lanka bonnet macaque (M. radiata) South and West India Assamese macaque (M. assamensis) Continental South-east Asia Tibetan macaque (M. thibetana) East and Central China stumptailed macaque (M. arctoides) South China, Indochinese peninsula fascicularis lineage longtailed macaque (M. fascicularis) Indochinese peninsula, Indonesia, Philippines rhesus macaque (M. mulatta) Continental South and East Asia Japanese macaque (M. fuscata) Japan Formosan macaque (M. cyclopis) Taiwan MACAQUE DISPERSAL IN INSULAR ASIA 557
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2003
In order to elucidate the evolutionary history and taxonomy of the Mentawai macaques, we sequence... more In order to elucidate the evolutionary history and taxonomy of the Mentawai macaques, we sequenced a 567 base pairs (bp) long fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from 39 individuals representing pigtailed macaque populations from Siberut, Sipora, South Pagai, and Sumatra. Pairwise difference analyses carried out within and among populations have shown, that: (1) variation within populations is relative low, (2) variation among populations is increased, and (3) pairwise differences within and among the populations from Sipora and South Pagai are in the same range. From phylogenetic tree reconstructions including further macaque species, we detected a paraphyletic origin of Mentawai macaques with the Siberut population more closely related to Macaca nemestrina from Sumatra, than it is to populations from the Southern islands. Based on these results, we favour a scenario in that macaques entered the Mentawai islands by two independent colonisation events. Taking together the paraphyletic origin of Mentawai macaques and the genetic differences detected among pigtailed macaque populations, which are comparable with those observed among the seven Sulawesi macaque species, we propose to separate macaques from Siberut and Sipora, North and South Pagai into two distinct species, Macaca siberu and Macaca pagensis, respectively.
Canadian Journal of Zoology, 1991
We compared diurnal activity patterns of isards (Rupicapra pyrenaica) within female herds around ... more We compared diurnal activity patterns of isards (Rupicapra pyrenaica) within female herds around the time of parturition in a Pyrenean reserve. From mid-April to mid-May, i.e., at the end of the gestation period, adult females spent significantly more time foraging (76 vs. 65%) and less time resting than yearlings did. From mid-June to mid-July, after the birth of kids, adult females and yearlings had exactly the same time budget (62% for foraging) and the same activity pattern, with a well-marked resting phase at midday. Analysis of data at 15-min intervals indicated synchronism in activity when animals leave the area by crossing the crest line, or when arriving at their foraging or resting phases. During the 2 first months of their life, kids had a polyphasic diurnal activity pattern characterized by four distinct foraging phases 4 h apart, and three peaks in resting activity between midday and evening. Nevertheless, some behavioural and physiological mechanisms permitted kids to ...
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2003
In order to elucidate the evolutionary history and taxonomy of the Mentawai macaques, we sequence... more In order to elucidate the evolutionary history and taxonomy of the Mentawai macaques, we sequenced a 567 base pairs (bp) long fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from 39 individuals representing pigtailed macaque populations from Siberut, Sipora, South Pagai, and Sumatra. Pairwise difference analyses carried out within and among populations have shown, that: (1) variation within populations is relative low, (2) variation among populations is increased, and (3) pairwise differences within and among the populations from Sipora and South Pagai are in the same range. From phylogenetic tree reconstructions including further macaque species, we detected a paraphyletic origin of Mentawai macaques with the Siberut population more closely related to Macaca nemestrina from Sumatra, than it is to populations from the Southern islands. Based on these results, we favour a scenario in that macaques entered the Mentawai islands by two independent colonisation events. Taking together the paraphyletic origin of Mentawai macaques and the genetic differences detected among pigtailed macaque populations, which are comparable with those observed among the seven Sulawesi macaque species, we propose to separate macaques from Siberut and Sipora, North and South Pagai into two distinct species, Macaca siberu and Macaca pagensis, respectively.
Techniques Culture Revue Semestrielle D Anthropologie Des Techniques, Dec 31, 2008
Techniques & culture, 2008
Conflict resolution is an essential component of primate sociality that has been studied extensiv... more Conflict resolution is an essential component of primate sociality that has been studied extensively within primate social groups, but few studies have examined how conflict resolution behaviours covary at evolutionary scales. We assembled a standardized data set on social interactions of sexually mature females to analyse patterns of conflict resolution in 15 groups of nine macaque species. Between-group comparisons revealed no significant difference in nonkin reconciliation levels between groups of the same species, whereas substantial interspecific differences were found. We tested for associations between four behavioural traits involving reconciliation and dominance asymmetry that play a central role in primate social systems. Regression analyses using group values indicated that these traits (conciliatory tendencies, proportions of explicit reconciliatory contacts, kin bias and levels of counteraggression) exist as an integrated suite of characters. We found strong phylogenetic signal in most traits, which further indicates that they evolved during the adaptive radiation of macaques. Using the method of independent contrasts, relationships between conciliatory tendencies and proportions of explicit reconciliatory contacts and between kin bias and levels of counteraggression remained consistent after controlling for phylogeny. This reveals that evolutionary change in one trait leads to correlated changes in other traits. Collectively, these results show how comparative studies of detailed behavioural interactions can be used to elucidate primate socioecology.
The evolution of primates is usually approached from the standpoint of adaptation and interspecif... more The evolution of primates is usually approached from the standpoint of adaptation and interspecific competition. However, climatic and eustatic changes associated with periodic glaciations have had a profound influence on their geographical distribution, favouring the intervention of contingency in evolution. This paper deals with the role of chance and competition in the dispersal and stocking of macaques in the islands of south-east Asia. The genus Macaca is unique among non-human primates for the range of habitats colonized, from continents to islands. We first review current knowledge about the zoogeography of macaques in Sundaland. We point out the inconsistencies present in the hypotheses thus far proposed to account for the colonization of shallow-and deep-water islands. We then propose a new perspective of macaque dispersal through the Indonesian archipelago, which takes into account sea-level changes, as well as latitudinal and altitudinal rainforest shifts following climatic cycles during the Quaternary. We envision three steps: (i) dispersal and partial disappearance of the first radiation of macaques; (ii) primary mainland recolonization by pigtailed and longtailed macaques; and (iii) secondary sea-rafting colonization by longtailed macaques. This model implies that liontailed, Sulawesi and Mentawai macaques stemmed from pre-glacial remnant populations, whereas pigtailed macaques originated in post-glacial populations that diverged later on. The model accounts for the distribution of longtailed macaques throughout the Indonesian archipelago. The riverine habits of this species would have favoured its dispersal by sea rafting, which was otherwise extremely rare for other primate species. Stocking would have been successful for longtailed macaques only in islands where no other macaque competitors were already present. Table 1. Phyletic lineages and geographical distribution of macaque species (from Fooden, 1976, 1982; complemented with Groves, 2001) Species Distribution silenus-sylvanus lineage Barbary macaque (M. sylvanus) Algeria, Morocco liontailed macaque (M. silenus) South-west India pigtailed macaque (M. nemestrina) Indochinese peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo crested macaque (M. nigra) North Sulawesi Gorontalo macaque (M. nigrescens) North Sulawesi Heck's macaque (M. hecki) North Sulawesi Tonkean macaque (M. tonkeana) Central Sulawesi moor macaque (M. maurus) South-west Sulawesi booted macaque (M. ochreata) East Sulawesi Muna-Butung macaque (M. brunnescens) South-east Sulawesi Mentawai macaque (M. pagensis) Mentawai archipelago sinica-arctoides lineage toque macaque (M. sinica) Sri Lanka bonnet macaque (M. radiata) South and West India Assamese macaque (M. assamensis) Continental South-east Asia Tibetan macaque (M. thibetana) East and Central China stumptailed macaque (M. arctoides) South China, Indochinese peninsula fascicularis lineage longtailed macaque (M. fascicularis) Indochinese peninsula, Indonesia, Philippines rhesus macaque (M. mulatta) Continental South and East Asia Japanese macaque (M. fuscata) Japan Formosan macaque (M. cyclopis) Taiwan MACAQUE DISPERSAL IN INSULAR ASIA 557
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2003
In order to elucidate the evolutionary history and taxonomy of the Mentawai macaques, we sequence... more In order to elucidate the evolutionary history and taxonomy of the Mentawai macaques, we sequenced a 567 base pairs (bp) long fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from 39 individuals representing pigtailed macaque populations from Siberut, Sipora, South Pagai, and Sumatra. Pairwise difference analyses carried out within and among populations have shown, that: (1) variation within populations is relative low, (2) variation among populations is increased, and (3) pairwise differences within and among the populations from Sipora and South Pagai are in the same range. From phylogenetic tree reconstructions including further macaque species, we detected a paraphyletic origin of Mentawai macaques with the Siberut population more closely related to Macaca nemestrina from Sumatra, than it is to populations from the Southern islands. Based on these results, we favour a scenario in that macaques entered the Mentawai islands by two independent colonisation events. Taking together the paraphyletic origin of Mentawai macaques and the genetic differences detected among pigtailed macaque populations, which are comparable with those observed among the seven Sulawesi macaque species, we propose to separate macaques from Siberut and Sipora, North and South Pagai into two distinct species, Macaca siberu and Macaca pagensis, respectively.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2007
Uploads
Papers by Christophe Abegg