Social Structure of a Semi-Free Ranging Group of Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx): A Social Network Analysis

摘要: The difficulty involved in following mandrills the wild means that very little is known about social structure this species. Most studies initially considered mandrill groups to be an aggregation of one-male/multifemale units, with males occupying central positions a similar those observed majority baboon However, recent study hypothesized form stable only two or three permanent males, and females occupy more than within these groups. We used network analysis methods examine how semi-free ranging group 19 structured. recorded all dyads individuals were contact as measure association. betweenness eigenvector centrality for each individual calculated correlated kinship, age dominance. Finally, we performed resilience by simulating removal displaying highest values. found related frequently associated unrelated dyads. Moreover, our results showed cumulative distribution followed power function, which characteristic scale-free networks. This property some members, mostly females, occupied highly position. most split into small subgroups increased diameter. Critically, confirms appear Consequently, crucial cohesion probably play pivotal role