<p>Our understanding of animal social structures, and primate groups in particular, has been greatly enhanced by the use of social network analysis (SNA). However, strepsirrhine species remain underrepresented in such studies. Existing SNA studies have primarily focused on species with strong female dominance, leaving a gap in our knowledge of species with more flexible dominance hierarchies. We investigated the social networks of one such species: the white-fronted lemur (<i>Eulemur albifrons</i>). We analyzed affiliative (proximity, huddling, grooming) and agonistic (chasing) behaviors in a captive group of 11 individuals: seven adult males, three adult females, and one juvenile male. We found a female-centered structure in affiliative networks, while one adult male was socially isolated and the primary target of aggression. Affiliative networks exhibited high-density behavior and no evidence of subgroups, indicating strong overall group cohesion. Grooming and huddling networks correlated weakly and positively, suggesting that grooming behavior may involve deeper affiliative bonds among individuals than huddling behavior. These findings show that <i>E. albifrons</i> females can occupy central social positions even in the absence of strict female dominance. Beyond contributing to our understanding of lemur sociality, this study provides valuable insights into group dynamics that may support improved management practices in captivity—especially given the limited knowledge available for this species.</p>

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The Social Network of a Group of White-Fronted Lemurs (Eulemur albifrons) in Managed Care

  • Victoria Martínez Rubio,
  • Sergio Díaz González,
  • Ana María Fidalgo de las Heras,
  • Susana María Sánchez Rodríguez

摘要

Our understanding of animal social structures, and primate groups in particular, has been greatly enhanced by the use of social network analysis (SNA). However, strepsirrhine species remain underrepresented in such studies. Existing SNA studies have primarily focused on species with strong female dominance, leaving a gap in our knowledge of species with more flexible dominance hierarchies. We investigated the social networks of one such species: the white-fronted lemur (Eulemur albifrons). We analyzed affiliative (proximity, huddling, grooming) and agonistic (chasing) behaviors in a captive group of 11 individuals: seven adult males, three adult females, and one juvenile male. We found a female-centered structure in affiliative networks, while one adult male was socially isolated and the primary target of aggression. Affiliative networks exhibited high-density behavior and no evidence of subgroups, indicating strong overall group cohesion. Grooming and huddling networks correlated weakly and positively, suggesting that grooming behavior may involve deeper affiliative bonds among individuals than huddling behavior. These findings show that E. albifrons females can occupy central social positions even in the absence of strict female dominance. Beyond contributing to our understanding of lemur sociality, this study provides valuable insights into group dynamics that may support improved management practices in captivity—especially given the limited knowledge available for this species.