New Study Records 427 Cases of Primates Interacting With Other Species, Hints at Deep Roots of Pet-Keeping
In July, the journal Primates published a new study detailing 427 instances of monkeys and apes engaging with other species. The research, spearheaded by Cyril Grueter from the University of Oxford, compiled data from scientific literature and a survey of 37 primatologists, encompassing 88 primate species alongside 127 other species. Most of the observed interactions were characterized by playful or grooming behaviors. Among the noteworthy examples were a gibbon holding a mouse and a bonobo interacting with a mongoose pup. However, there were also 26 instances of abusive behavior that resulted in death. The findings revealed that juveniles were more playful and females tended to groom more. Evidence of human pet-keeping dates back at least 12,000 years, with a 14,000-year-old grave in Germany containing a cared-for dog.
Key facts
- The study compiled 427 cases of primates interacting with other animal species.
- It involved 88 primate species and 127 other species.
- The findings were published in July in the journal Primates.
- A female white-cheeked gibbon at Shanghai Zoo gently held a mouse.
- A young male bonobo cradled a mongoose pup.
- A tufted gray langur stroked a grizzled giant squirrel in Yala National Park.
- 26 interactions were deemed abusive; 13 resulted in the other animal's death.
- Juvenile primates were more likely to play, females more likely to groom.
- Cédric Sueur of the University of Strasbourg cautions the data reflect where scientists have been, not actual frequency.
- A group of black-striped capuchin monkeys in Brazil adopted an infant common marmoset in 2004.
- Koko the gorilla showed maternal behavior toward a kitten named All Ball in the 1980s.
- Evidence of human pet-keeping reaches back at least 12,000 years.
Entities
Artists
- Cyril Grueter
- Cédric Sueur
- Michael Marshall
- Sabrina Imbler
- Senthi Aathavan Senthilverl
- Neil Challis
- Alexandre Bonnefoy
- Carlyn Kranking
Institutions
- University of Oxford
- University of Strasbourg
- Shanghai Zoo
- Yala National Park
- Khao Tao Mo temple
- Primates (journal)
- The Conversation
- New Scientist
- Defector
Locations
- Sri Lanka
- Shanghai
- China
- Japan
- Yakushima
- Thailand
- Brazil
- Germany
- Saudi Arabia
- Israel
- France
- Strasbourg
- Yala National Park
- Khao Tao Mo temple