Preference of Berber apes towards paternal roles revealed. - Berber monkey males exhibit paternal instincts.
Barbary Macaques at Affenberg-Salem demonstrate unusual paternal care among primates
Male Barbary macaques at Affenberg-Salem, a monkey park located near Lake Constance in southern Germany, have been noted for their remarkable parenting skills, unlike many primate species.
According to Roland Hilgartner, the park's director, these males actively participate in infant care, an uncommon trait among primate species. They groom, carry, and offer protection to the young ones.
Around 200 Barbary macaques inhabit the approximately 20-hectare forested enclosure at Affenberg-Salem. Since April, four newborn monkeys have been born within the park, with more anticipated after Father's Day.
Despite residing in larger groups rather than pairs or families, male Barbary macaques exhibit tender affection towards their offspring. However, due to the multiple mating partners of females, paternal relationships can be unclear.
Male Barbary macaques provide crucial support to infants, often acting as a source of comfort and security against predators or aggressive group members. Their presence strengthens social bonds, contributing to the troop's stability and the healthy development of the young.
The males also aid in teaching social cues and appropriate behaviors, ensuring the next generation's successful integration into macaque society.
This unique paternal behavior benefits infant survival rates, supports mothers in their caregiving duties, and helps maintain a peaceful and organized social group. At Affenberg-Salem, these traits showcase an evolution of male caregiving in primates, offering valuable insights for researchers studying social behavior.
In this unique community at Affenberg-Salem, the science of primate behavior is undergoing an interesting evolution, as the employment policy among male Barbary macaques includes a significant involvement in health-and-wellness matters, particularly family health and parenting. Such uncommon paternal practices involve grooming, carrying, and protection of the young ones, fostering a fitness-and-exercise routine conducive to the well-being of the entire group. Moreover, the employment policy extends to the teaching of social cues and appropriate behaviors, enhancing the future well-being and wellness of the next generation.
