Publications [#53593] of Meredith L. Bastian
search PubMed.Journal Articles
- Bastian, ML, Brockman, DK, Paternal behavior in Propithecus verreauxi coquerel,
International Journal of Primatology
(2007)
(last updated on 2007/12/10)Abstract:
Alloparental behavior is documented for several anthropoid primates, but few studies have investigated the extent or variability of such behavior in prosimians. Here we report results from a study of male-infant interactions in two groups of Coquerel’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi coquereli) at the Duke University Primate Center (DUPC). Both groups contained one adult pair, two juveniles, and a newborn. Results indicate that both adult males exhibited paternal behavior toward their offspring in the form of grooming and holding the infant, although males differed in the amount of time they spent engaged in these activities. Group differences in the proximity maintained between the infants’ parents suggest that the relationship between adult males and females may help account for this variation. The presence of juveniles appeared to diminish paternal behavior in the group exhibiting a higher overall rate of male infant interaction.