Badge of status in drills (Mandrillus leucophaeus)

The upcoming special issue of International Journal of Primatology includes a number of interesting articles on the function of primate coloration in species such as geladas (Theropithecus gelada) (Bergman et al., in press), drills (Mandrillus leucophaeus) (Marty et al., in press), mandrills (M. sphinx) (Setchell et al., in press), and red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur fulvus rufus) [...]

Contagious yawning in geladas

Yawning is a common phenomenon among vertebrates. Despite its widespread occurrence, the function of yawning remains a mystery 1. Indeed, yawning has been suggested as (i) a cooling mechanism for the brain to maintain cognitive function; (ii) a communicative behavior to indicate drowsiness or stress; (iii) a way to maintain vigilance/promote alertness among animals 2. [...]

Lost in translation: update from SMNP

Research on wild primates is an amazing process of discovery. The monkeys act out little parts in a cosmic soap opera that serves as the background to your dissertation research. While gelada social interactions form the basis of my research, interchanges with fellow language-using primates provide much need comic relief during my time out here. [...]