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Observations on the ecology and social organization of the green monkey,Cercopithecus sabaeus, in Senegal

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Abstract

The green monkey,Cercopithecus sabaeus, has not been studied in its natural habitat in West Africa. This paper reports observations made during a 3-month study in Senegal. Green monkeys live in multimale groups averaging some 12 individuals. Information is given on home range size, use of habitat, daily activity patterns, diet and birth seasonality. Social organization is discussed and data are given on the relationships between age-sex classes, aggression and leadership. Inter-group relations are discussed and it is suggested that groups defend their ranges as territories. The ecology and social organization of green monkeys is compared with that of populations ofC. aethiops studied in East Africa and they are found to be similar.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Bristol, BS8 1HH, Bristol, England

    R. I. M. Dunbar

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  1. R. I. M. Dunbar
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Dunbar, R.I.M. Observations on the ecology and social organization of the green monkey,Cercopithecus sabaeus, in Senegal. Primates 15, 341–350 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01791671

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01791671

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