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21 - Group-specific social dynamics affect urinary oxytocin levels in Taï male chimpanzees

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 November 2019

Christophe Boesch
Affiliation:
Max-Planck-Institut für Evolutionäre Anthropologie, Germany
Roman Wittig
Affiliation:
Max-Planck-Institut für Evolutionäre Anthropologie, Germany
Catherine Crockford
Affiliation:
Max-Planck-Institut für Evolutionäre Anthropologie, Germany
Linda Vigilant
Affiliation:
Max-Planck-Institut für Evolutionäre Anthropologie, Germany
Tobias Deschner
Affiliation:
Max-Planck-Institut für Evolutionäre Anthropologie, Germany
Fabian Leendertz
Affiliation:
Robert Koch-Institut, Germany
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Summary

Examining variation in social behaviour and associated endocrine physiology across groups of the same species can help identify consistent hormone–behaviour interactions. We investigated differences in urinary oxytocin levels of individuals, of two neighbouring chimpanzee groups related to (a) socio-positive and -negative interaction frequencies, (b) within-group cooperation associated with between-group competition and (c) group-specific differences in urinary oxytocin reactivity of individuals in response to the same behavioural contexts. We found higher rates of cooperative group-level behaviours and larger relative party sizes in East Group males, while South Group males had higher non-directed aggression and copulation rates. Individuals of both groups showed consistent urinary oxytocin reactivity after the same behavioural contexts. However, East Group males had higher urinary oxytocin levels across contexts than South Group males, including higher baseline levels. Our results support the oxytocinergic system’s involvement in cooperation and gregariousness, and suggest an association between group-specific social dynamics and oxytocinergic profiles.

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