Infanticide by male gelada leader and group counterstrategies

Abstract

AbstractInfanticide by males following the takeover and the acquisition of females with unweaned offspring has been observed in primate species. Like many other primate species, geladas (Theropithecus gelada) commit infanticide by nonsire males to enhance their reproductive success. Direct observation of infanticide is a rare phenomenon in geladas. During my stay in the field, I observed clear evidence of infanticide by nonsire male gelada. Adult females and juveniles of the group tried to stop the killing through scrambling, shouting, loudness, caustic and aggression. However, they could not save the infant's life. After they confirmed the death of the infant the group left the area. This direct observation confirms to provide reliable information on the occurrences of infanticide by male geladas in the wild. Such infanticide by nonsire male geladas most probably occurs to hasten mating receptivity in the females. Mass physical group defence strategy is counter adaptations to reduce the likelihood of infanticide by nonsire male geladas.