Decoding food solicitation techniques applied by free-ranging Hanuman langurs residing in an urban habitat.

ABSTRACT: Urbanization has drastically altered natural habitats, forcing non-human primates (NHPs) to adapt to human-modified environments. This study examines one such adaptation undertaken by free-ranging Hanuman langurs residing in Dakshineswar, a temple area and a tourist hub in West Bengal. Our observations reveal that they have come up with solicitation behaviors resembling human begging wherein they ask for food from nearby humans using various gestures. Notably, we identified seven distinct 'begging' gestures, with those involving embracing human legs and pulling their clothes having strong correlation with successful outcome. Moreover, adult female langurs predominantly initiate such gestures, with successful solicitation events peaking during evening sessions. The findings underscore langu

SUBMITTER: Dasgupta D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11923003 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature