Japanese Macaques
Communication, Social Behaviors and Cognitive Abilities.
Communication
Japanese Macaques have a wide array of meanings in their communication. Their vocal communications can be broken down into six different categories: soothing, defensive, aggressive, warning, female estrus and infant vocalizations. It is worth noting, however, that around half of the sounds made by the species are considered peaceful or soothing. They will often put out a “coo” sound during times of feeding, grooming or moving, where other members will reciprocate the same sound. (Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, n.d.)
Additionally, Japanese macaques have a “girney” call as well, which is interesting for its use in different contexts. It might be used right before initiating grooming, but can also be used in a way to appease or avoid conflict with other members. Japanese macaques also utilize a hollering vocalization to warn others of nearby predators or danger.
Brief video demonstrating the different “coo” and “girney” sounds
Chart demonstrating the nuances of Japanese macaque facial expressions
Aside from vocal communication, Japanese macaques will also use facial expressions to describe their intentions/mood. When threatened or trying to be threatening, they might open their mouths to show teeth, raise their eyebrows and have their eyes wide open, or flatten/erect their ears as well. Other facial behaviors might include grimacing, lip smacking and gaze avoidance. (Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, n.d.)
Display behavior is also seen in the species, most commonly seen in males. These can include shaking, kicking or leaping, meant to help demonstrate themselves to potential mates. While all males in a troop might use these displays, only a very small portion of females will use them, and they are typically high ranking females within the troop.(Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, n.d.)
Social Behaviors
Illustration demonstrating a juvenile female threatens an adult female, prompting the second-ranking subleader male to break up the fight. (Eaton, 1976)
Japanese macaques generally live in troops varying in size, where there is a strong emphasis on female-bonded social structure. Females will not typically leave their group, unlike males. The social bonds between females tend to also exceed those seen in males. Rank is very important; and daughters will assume the rank of their mother once mature. (Hardman, 2011, “Behavior” section)
This species of primate demonstrates some altruistic behaviors, though they are mostly seen between mothers and daughters. Some of these altruistic behaviors include sharing food, protecting one another and providing warnings for nearby danger. Additionally, they might be observed practicing co-feeding, where a dominant member of the troop will grant the subordinates access to food. (Hardman, 2011, “Behavior” section)
Social grooming is also incredibly common among Japanese macaques, and is usually seen between kin (especially mothers and daughters.) Another thing these primates will be seen doing often is huddling together for warmth if they live in the northern parts of the country, or even bathing together in hot springs. (Hardman, 2011, “Behavior” section)
Cognitive Abilities
Japanese Macaque washing sweet potatoes in nearby water.
Aside from utilizing the water to keep themselves warm in a social setting via bathing, Japanese macaques have been observed to wash their food, most notably sweet potatoes, in the water as well. This behavior is learned visually and gets passed down to offspring so they know how to rinse the dirt and grime off of their food. Interestingly, over time, these macaques have been observed rinsing their potatoes in salt water as opposed to freshwater. This adds the entertaining idea that Japanese macaques are aware of how to season their food, though it is unknown if this is intentional. (New England Primate Conservancy, n.d.)
Japanese macaques are also known for their ability to fish, which is mostly seen by the primates living in the Japanese Alps of Honshu. Researchers view this behavior as unique to this population and was developed to obtain important protein during the months when food is scarce. These primates will overturn rocks where fish might be hiding, chase fish into shallow water and utilize both hands to catch and eat the fish. Some researchers may consider macaques to possess a higher general intelligence compared to other mammals, using these innovative survival behaviors as proof. (New England Primate Conservancy, n.d.)
Japanese Macaque feasting on a freshly caught fish from a nearby river.
Works Cited
Japanese macaque. Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. (n.d.-a). https://primate.wisc.edu/primate-info-net/pin-factsheets/pin-factsheet-japanese-macaque/#behavior-sociality
Hardman, B. (n.d.-b). Macaca fuscata (Japanese macaque). Animal Diversity Web. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Macaca_fuscata/
Japanese macaque, macaca fuscata - new england primate conservancy. New England Primate Conservancy - Committed to leaving a legacy of hope and tools to build a better tomorrow for all the Earth’s citizens. (2024a, October 13). https://neprimateconservancy.org/japanese-macaque/#:~:text=Highly%20social%20creatures%2C%20Japanese%20macaques,ranks%20above%20all%20other%20members.
Eaton, G. G. (1976). The social order of Japanese macaques. Scientific American, 235(4), 96–107. https://www.jstor.org/stable/24950464JSTOR+1JSTOR+1
Kyoto University Primate Research Institute. (n.d.). Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). http://pri.ehub.kyoto-u.ac.jp/pub/ronbun/1160/index-e.html
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