Kin bias and male pair-bond status shape male-male relationships in a multilevel primate society

Male-male relationships in Guinea baboons (Papio papio) exhibit stable, equitable strong bonds that persist over four years, irrespective of whether males hold primary or bachelor status. These bonds are more likely to form between closely related males, indicating a kin bias in social preferences. Bachelor males, who maintain multiple strong bonds with primary males, play a crucial role in the cohesion of baboon parties. While a clear dominance hierarchy could not be established due to rank uncertainty, bachelor males tend to occupy lower positions. This study challenges the notion that dispersal patterns or social organization predict male bonding, suggesting diverse evolutionary pathways for such behaviors.

Dal Pesco, F., Trede, F., Zinner, D., & Fischer, J. (2021). Kin bias and male pair-bond status shape male-male relationships in a multilevel primate society. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 75(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-020-02960-8