Recognition of heterospecific alarm vocalization by Bonnet Macaques (Macaca radiata)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2000 |
Authors: |
Ramakrishnan, U,Coss, RG. |
Publication/Journal: |
Journal of Comparative Psychology |
Keywords: |
alarm vocalizations, antipredator behavior, flight responses, heterospecific, macaca radiata, playbacks., scanning responses, vocalizations, wild bonnet macaques |
ISBN: |
0735-7036 |
Abstract:
Recognition of heterospecific alarm vocalizations is an essential component of antipredator behavior in several prey species. The authors examined the role of learning in the discrimination of heterospecific vocalizations by wild bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) in southern India The bonnet macaques’ flight and scanning responses to playbacks of their own alarm vocalizations were compared with their responses to playbacks of vocalizations of Nilgiri langurs (Trachypithecus johnii), Hanuman langurs (Semnopithecus entellus), and sambar deer (Cervus unicolor). The study was conducted in 3 regions that differed in the frequency with which bonnet macaques encountered these species and included an urban setting. Call recognition was highest in adults and in regions where individuals were frequently exposed to the calling species; calls were not recognized by urban monkeys. Thus, age and experience are important factors in heterospecific call recognition by bonnet macaques.