The function and distribution of separating interventions in a captive group of bonobos.

The most widely discussed bonobo (Pan paniscus) social relationship is the intra-sexual female bond but there is mounting evidence that the inter-sexual bond may be of equal importance to the structure of the bonobo social system. Unrelated males and females form close associations and these associations are beneficial to male reproductive success. Male bonobos compete for these reproductively valuable bonds by engaging in rank struggles and by forming close associations with females. Separating interventions performed by individuals function to thwart bond formation in competitors. This behavior can be an important mechanism in determining the nature and relative importance of social relationships. The present study investigates the function and distribution of separating interventions in a captive group of 14 bonobos. Results indicate a differential distribution of both type of dyad separated, as well as performance of separating behaviors. The data presented strongly suggest that separating interventions are employed, primarily by adult males, as a counter-strategy to the establishment of their closest rivals’ inter-sexual bonds, and, as an alternate mechanism to agonistic conflicts in the establishment of a dominance hierarchy.No embarg