Male careers in wild Assamese macaques
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ID: 321835
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Most mammalian males face a series of interdependent life history decisions that collectively shape their reproductive success. The male-career-framework proposes that, given this interdependency, these decisions should be studied jointly, and it predicts that a male’s species-typical career is determined by the degree of male contest competition. We tested the male-career-framework using 18 years of behavioral and demographic data on wild Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) which exhibit an intermediate degree of male contest potential due to seasonal breeding, concealed ovulation, and the resulting moderate male reproductive skew. We examined the timing of developmental landmarks, age at natal dispersal, lifetime dominance trajectories, and patterns of alpha male replacement. Males dispersed from their natal group while still young, before reaching peak fighting ability. They entered the dominance hierarchy low-ranking and followed a ∩-shaped trajectory, with dominance peaking at around 14 years old and then declining. Most alpha males attained top rank after several years of residence and remained in the group after losing top rank, indicating that alpha replacements typically occurred through rank reversal rather than succession or immediate takeover. Alpha tenures usually lasted one year and often began during the mating season, consistent with active contest competition. Together, these findings place Assamese macaques in an intermediate position along the male-career spectrum, supporting the prediction that moderate contest competition favors medium-risk strategies involving gradual rank acquisition and rank reversal. Our results highlight substantial individual variation in male career trajectories and underscore the value of long-term data for understanding dominance and reproductive strategies.
| Reference Key |
openalex_W7169826640
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|---|---|
| Authors | Alice Hill, Suchinda Malaivijitnond, Suthirote Meesawat, Oliver Schülke, Julia Ostner |
| Journal | behavioral ecology |
| Year | 2026 |
| DOI |
10.1093/beheco/arag085
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| URL | |
| Keywords | Keywords not found |
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