Article Dans Une Revue Applied Animal Behaviour Science Année : 2025

Male removal sparks aggression, infant kidnapping and death in captive geladas (Theropithecus gelada)

Résumé

In group-living species, social stability relies on individual relationships and group composition- crucial factors for captive animal management. Gelada monkeys (Theropithecus gelada) form core units of a dominant male and strongly bonded related females. Here, we analysed the consequences of removing males from a gelada group, as part of standard management procedures essential for maintaining genetic variability. Compared to the control group (n = 30 females), the test group (n = 33 females) showed a marked increase in aggression. One adult and older female engaged in repeated infant kidnappings involving four younger mothers, resulting in the deaths of two infants, which she continued to carry and groom post-mortem for days. These events began after male removal, suggesting a destabilizing effect of male absence on social dynamics. Our findings raise critical questions about the role of gelada males in regulating female competition. We emphasize the importance of considering social roles-not just demographic balance-when implementing animal transfers in managed populations. Understanding the behavioural consequences of group restructuring is essential to improve welfare outcomes and prevent maladaptive behaviours in socially complex species under human care.

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hal-05374093 , version 1 (21-11-2025)

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Luca Pedruzzi, Martina Francesconi, Alessia Cudini, Paolo Oliveri, Elisabetta Palagi, et al.. Male removal sparks aggression, infant kidnapping and death in captive geladas (Theropithecus gelada). Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2025, 292, pp.106836. ⟨10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106836⟩. ⟨hal-05374093⟩
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