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Allison RothAllison Roth

M.A. 2015, Conservation Biology


Effects of Group Size and Contest Location on the Outcome and Intensity of Intergroup Contests in Wild Blue Monkeys

Intergroup contests determine access to resources and influence the evolution of group living in social species. Asymmetries in resource holding potential and payoffs should influence the outcome and intensity of such contests. We evaluated predictors of contest outcome and intensity using data collected over 40 months from 6 groups of wild blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis). We found increased odds of winning when a group was larger than and used the contest site more than its opponent, and when contests occurred closer to its home range center while further from the opponent’s center. Across five pairs of opponent groups, however, there was no relationship between the average difference in group size and the proportion of contests won by the larger group. Some evidence suggested increased odds of a draw when group sizes were more similar and when contests occurred closer to one group’s home range center. Contests were more aggressive when group size and use of the contest site were more similar and when the contest site was similarly central/peripheral in both groups’ home ranges. Contests were also longer when located in this way, but contest duration increased with larger group size asymmetry. Overall, both resource holding potential and location-based payoff asymmetries influenced a group’s competitive advantage as well as the intensity of intergroup contests. Location-based payoff asymmetries were more consistent, however, in predicting the winner of such contests.

Publications from MA work:

Roth, A.M., Cords, M. 2016. Effects of group size and contest location on the outcome and intensity of intergroup contests in wild blue monkeys. Animal Behaviour 113:49-58. doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.11.011

Roth, A.M., Cords, M. 2015. Some nocturnal and crepuscular mammals of Kakamega Forest: photographic evidence. Journal of East African Natural History 104: 213-225. doi: http://dx.doi.org/01.2982/028.104.0114

After graduation, Allison moved to Oxford University for her PhD.

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