Behaviour of Patas Monkeys, Erythrocebus Patas, In Captivity, With Notes on the Natural Habitat

Abstract

The natural habitat and social organization of the patas monkey, Erythrocebus patas, in Uganda is briefly described. A laboratory group of 5 patas, the constitution of which is similar to that of the smallest group seen in the wild, was observed over a period of 18 months. From these observations a description of the acts, postures and communicative signals which comprise the behavior repertoire of the species has been derived. Behavior differences between patas, baboons and rhesus are discussed briefly.