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Dominance(?)

October 6, 2019 by Anthony

Among captive chimpanzees, the concept of dominance can be a bit of an enigma. As we attempt to integrate the two groups of chimpanzee residents here at the sanctuary, we are having many discussions about the dominance hierarchy. Dominance isn’t the only important thing during this stressful time, but it’s still important.

In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the adjective dominant can be defined as:

  1. commanding, controlling, or prevailing over all others
  2. very important, powerful, or successful
  3. overlooking and commanding from a superior position

These definitions, among others, can each paint a different picture of what it means to “be dominant.” Primatologists tend to use the word in relation to social rank (i.e., where an individual fits within their group’s hierarchy in relation to other individuals). In primates and many other social animals, there is abundant research on the topic of social rank and the benefits that a high rank confers. By having more opportunities to mate and obtain resources, higher-ranking individuals tend to have a greater chance at reproducing and passing on their genetic material. In this way, traits that help an individual achieve a higher social rank can be heavily advantageous. In most primate species, males and females form separate hierarchies and compete within, not between, the sexes. although the resulting structure is often clear, the mechanisms by which dominance hierarchies develop and change are complex.

Studies of free-ranging chimpanzees (e.g., Dr. Jane Goodall’s) have revealed that males and females have somewhat separate social hierarchies. Generally, adult males vie for higher rank using a combination of physical aggression, explosive displays and tactful cooperation. Adult females develop higher rank through experience and tenure. The lowest of the adult males is still usually higher than the highest female. In a community of chimps, males seem to figure out their place in the social hierarchy during adolescence.

Dominance isn’t everything though. A chimpanzee who has a dominant personality may be deficient in other aspects. There’s another component of social rank, perhaps best described as leadership, that seems to affect how long a chimp can hold the rank of alpha after climbing their way to the top. Without an ability to gain the trust of others and manage friendships, a quick, brutal ascension may result in a tragic end. Deposed alpha males can be killed or driven out by their former peers. (For more on this topic, I recommend the fascinating talk by author and primatologist Dr. Frans de Waal.)

If chimps always fought each other in peer-to-peer physical combat, dominance would be easier to study. However, chimpanzees have many ways of diffusing tension and avoiding conflict. They often do this by communicating with one another, thereby establishing boundaries and outlining expectations for how their relationships are going to be in the near future.

Instead of focusing on rare acts of violence, scientists can usually infer social rank by observing pant-grunts. A pant-grunt is a guttural vocalization, often accompanied by an exaggerated bow and/or submissive hand gesture, that is specifically directed from a subordinate towards a perceived superior. It’s a conspicuous overture and leaves little room for debate. When a mother chimpanzee pant-grunts at an adult male, her dependent infant will sometimes pant-grunt in synchrony while clinging to her belly. When a former alpha male concedes that he has lost his position to a rival male, the passing of the torch is usually marked by a conciliatory pant-grunt. Although chimps have numerous cultural traditions that vary between populations, pant-grunts can be heard in almost every chimpanzee social group, captive or otherwise.

Willy B watches another interaction while eating his own food

The Cle Elum Seven are no different. Burrito, although he lacks a dominant personality and seems uninterested in leadership, sporadically receives pant-grunts from the females (even Jamie). Pant-grunts between the six females are rare, although I sometimes see Negra receive them from her peers. Aside from Negra, who generally avoids drama, we usually infer that Jamie is the most dominant female based on her aggressive demeanor and possessiveness. When a situation gets hairy, Jamie’s side is usually the side to be on. Like Burrito, though, Jamie appears to be a poor leader. As Jake’s study of their dominance hierarchy indicated, Jamie’s excessive dominance and unusual social behavior may actually prevent her from being a good leader.

Negra peruses a magazine for peanut butter smears

Rather than constantly beating back rivals and taking their food, an effective leader quashes conflicts before they start and often allows minor transgressions to slide. For example, when the new three arrived, Willy B showed tolerance and tenderness towards his female companions. They, in turn, groomed and acknowledged him. That’s why, as J.B. has often said, we’re hoping that Willy B will step up to be a good alpha, thus providing some stability. So far, Willy B has not revealed himself to be a tyrant or a bully, so he may be the keystone individual that CSNW needs to have a cohesive, stable chimpanzee community.

Mave grooms Willy B the day after their arrival.

With Jody, Annie and Missy now in a state of cohabitation with the new three, they have all been cautious and submissive towards Willy B. In turn, Willy has remained stoic amid all the drama. He seems to be equally interested in the new surroundings and still focuses on his favorite foods. He’s observant and reserved, but not overly reactive. All he has to do is sit there and the females will pant-grunt at him anyway. Of course, it sometimes helps to acknowledge their efforts, but he certainly doesn’t over-do it.

Willy B investigates the Greenhouse

Somewhat surprisingly, the other females have also been submissive towards Mave. It’s possible that, in the absence of fellow males, Mave has evolved into Willy’s biggest supporter. She is definitely playing a peacekeeper role, and may be helping Willy B to keep his alpha status. It will be interesting to see whether Burrito and Jamie, who are both relatively dominant, recognize Willy as their leader. There may be some drama before we get to that point, but the goal is to give the chimps what they need to form a sustainable and healthy social group.

Willy B (male, left) and Mave (female, right)
Mave
During a sweet moment, Honey B gingerly places the end of a firehose vine in Jody’s mouth. Two two seem to view each other as peers and have been exchanging frequent overtures
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Chimpanzee BehaviorFightsFree-living chimpsGroomingIntroductionsIntroductionsMaveSanctuaryWilly B

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cara says

    October 6, 2019 at 7:19 pm

    Fascinating post, Anthony, thank you!

  2. Joanna says

    October 6, 2019 at 7:25 pm

    I feel like I need some chimpanzee reassurance myself, some grooming panting, tickling or something! Sending positive thoughts. Couldn’t possibly give the humans enough kudos for doing excellent work.

  3. Chris says

    October 6, 2019 at 7:31 pm

    I’m wondering if the chimps are spayed and neutered?

    • Anthony says

      October 11, 2019 at 12:56 pm

      The males have both had vasectomies but we are remaining cautious as these have a tendency to grow back and “reverse” themselves in chimpanzees. Some of the females have had hysterectomies while the others are currently being given an oral contraceptive on a daily basis.

  4. Kathleen says

    October 6, 2019 at 8:55 pm

    Thank you Anthony for your insight and for laying this out so we can all better understand the dynamics. I am hanging on every word in the blog these days! What will happen when our Wild Cards Mr. B and Jamie enter the mix. My heart pounds at the thought of that journey. I wonder if the chimps know how fortunate they are to be in all of your capable hands.

    Speaking of dominance and hierarchy, I wanted to mention a BBC America series titled “Dynasties” that aired early this year. The second episode features the story of David chimpanzee, the long-reigning alpha male of the Fongoli chimpanzees in Senegal, West Africa. The film footage is startling, breathtaking, amazing and not for the weak of heart. But worth it. Here is a link to the original series site : http://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/dynasties/video-extras/season-1/episode-02-chimpanzee/inside-dynasties-filming-chimpanzees
    Worth watching. After I saw this I wanted to sit and talk to the CSNW staff to discuss it. ; )

  5. Katherine says

    October 6, 2019 at 10:15 pm

    This is very informative. Thank you for explaining this. I was thinking that Jamie might remain the alpha because it is her home turf. I was fascinated to learn that males and females have their own hierarchies. It will be interesting to see what happens when mire chimps are added to the mix.

    • Linda C says

      October 7, 2019 at 5:37 am

      Ditto what Katherine said….so likely leader is Willy B, but the females…..while Mave is the obvious choice, the thing with Jamie is that she wasn’t raised among other chimps, so we don’t know if she “got the memo”, or if her personality will allow her to take a back seat to another female. Still, the information in this post leaves me with less fear for conflicts between Willy and Jamie.

  6. Louise Manson says

    October 7, 2019 at 7:01 am

    What a great blog. Learning about the Chimps’ social structures helps us understand the whole community. I was very taken with this. Thank you.

  7. Beverly says

    October 7, 2019 at 9:17 am

    Anthony great post!

  8. Wanda Trotta says

    October 7, 2019 at 11:53 am

    Very, very fascinating!

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