A novel methodological approach for group classification during fission of a semi-free-ranging group of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata).

ABSTRACT: The self-initiated split of a social group, known as fission, is a challenge faced by many group-living animals. The study of group fission and the social restructuring process in real time provides insights into the mechanism of this biologically important process. Previous studies on fission in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) assigned individuals to newly reorganized groups mainly using behavioral observations and group attendance records based on periods before or after fission itself. Here, we present a novel framework for group classification during the process of fission that uses quantifiable behavioral variables and statistical analyses. The framework was tested on a group fission process at Affenberg Landskron (Austria), a park that housed around 160 semi-free-ranging Japanese

SUBMITTER: Hammer R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10078252 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature