Understanding behavior in a captive Lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus) group

Abstract

A captive lion-tailed macaque group, consisting of two adult males and one adult female, was observed over a period of three months. We collected the data from 8.30hrs to 17.30hrs, using both focal and scan animal sampling methods. In the study, we divided the behaviors into abnormal and normal behavioral traits which were further divided into self-directed and social interchange behaviors. When compared with the past records on the wild and captive group, most of the behaviors were similar which included behaviors like forage, grooming, aggressive display and reproductive behavior. Animals who were born in a zoo or confiscated from another zoo showed higher levels of abnormal behaviors. The results of this study discuss the range of behavioral patterns displayed by the captive animals, discuss the causal factors for the behavioral pathogens, and further suggests feasible solutions to increase the welfare of these macaques. In the study, the early life history of the animal and the lack of social and environmental stimulus could be very critical for the development of behavioral pathogens. However, to establish this would require more research.