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Evidence for tactical concealment in a wild primate

Author

Listed:
  • Aliza le Roux

    (University of the Free State Qwaqwa)

  • Noah Snyder-Mackler

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • Eila K. Roberts

    (University of Michigan)

  • Jacinta C. Beehner

    (University of Michigan
    University of Michigan)

  • Thore J. Bergman

    (University of Michigan
    University of Michigan)

Abstract

Theory predicts that cheating individuals should alter their behaviour to avoid detection, yet empirical data for such ‘deceptive’ behaviour (and its putative consequence—punishment) is almost entirely absent from the literature. This dearth of evidence, particularly among primates, limits our understanding of the evolution of deception and punishment. Here, we quantify deception and punishment in a reproductive context in wild geladas (Theropithecus gelada). Individuals involved in extra-pair copulations (9% of observed copulations) exhibited behaviour consistent with tactical deception: they were less likely to vocalize and more likely to copulate when the cuckolded male was a sizable distance away (>20 m). Further, many extra-pair copulations (∼20%) elicited post-copulatory aggression—likely, punishment—from cuckolded males. This rare empirical evidence of both tactical concealment and retaliatory aggression offers a potential model system for examining the co-occurrence of deception and punishment in natural settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Aliza le Roux & Noah Snyder-Mackler & Eila K. Roberts & Jacinta C. Beehner & Thore J. Bergman, 2013. "Evidence for tactical concealment in a wild primate," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-6, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms2468
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2468
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