The Role of Male Facial Color as a 'Badge of Status' in Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus)

Abstract

Sexual selection is driven by two main mechanisms, intrasexual selection and intersexual selection. Classically, elaborate male ornamentation is considered to function as an intersexual signal, in which females choose potential mates on the basis of their conspicuous colouration. However, some studies have shown that male sexual ornamentation may also serve as an intersexual signal of strength or dominance (as ‘badges of status’), mediating conflict between males. Among primates, such signals often comprise bright colouration on the face, scrotum, or chest. The potential function as a badge of status of the dark facial colouration seen in a number of primate species is less explored. In this study of male Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) living in a semi-free ranging enclosure at Trentham Monkey Forest, I predicted that darker faced males would be higher ranked, receive higher rates of submissive behavior, and spend less time with males in close proximity, respectively. I found that male facial colour was not related to rank, rate of submissions received or patterns of proximity to conspecifics. Thus, this work does not support the hypothesis that dark facial colouration serves as an intrasexual badge of status in this species.