Abstract:

Detailed observations of female primate infant care are important for clearly understanding maternal behavior and the behavioral development of the infant. From March to November 2009, field observations of maternal behaviors toward 0 - 6 month-old infants of a provisioned Sichuan Snub-nosed monkey group were conducted using objective animal sampling, point-recording and whole event recording methods at Dalongtan, Shennongjia National Nature Reserve of Hubei Province. Of all of the mother-infant behaviors observed maternal carrying behavior occurred most frequently, followed by breast-feeding, hugging, grooming, and restraining. Restraining behavior between provision and non-provision periods was significantly different and reached a higher peak in 2-and 3-month-old infants. Maternal carrying, hugging, and grooming behaviors gradually decreased as infants aged. Maternal care behaviors in this provisioned group of Snub-nosed monkey were similar to those in other populations and no independent behavioral evolution resulted from geographical segregation between these populations.

Key words: Maternal behavior, Provisioned group, Shennongjia, Sichuan snub-nosed monkey

关键词: 川金丝猴, 投食群, 母亲照顾行为, 神农架