Seasonal Change in Activity Rhythms and Time Budgets of Tibetan Macaques

Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) exhibit distinct seasonal activity rhythms and time budgets, shaped by environmental conditions. The study, conducted at Tianhu Mountain County Nature Reserve within Mount Huangshan, China, revealed two daily foraging peaks (9:00–10:00 and 14:00–15:00) and a midday resting peak (12:00–13:00). These primates allocate their time primarily to resting (31.96%), foraging (28.59%), and moving (26.96%), with grooming (6.90%) and other activities comprising the remainder. Foraging and movement correlated positively with fruit and bud availability but negatively with leaf abundance, indicating adaptive behavioral responses to food resource fluctuations. Notably, activity patterns varied by sex and age: adult males prioritized resting, adult females focused on foraging, while young macaques engaged more in play. The research highlights how Tibetan macaques adjust their behavior seasonally to optimize survival in dynamic environments.

Zhou, J., Li, W.-B., Wang, X., & Li, J.-H. (2022). Seasonal Change in Activity Rhythms and Time Budgets of Tibetan Macaques. Biology, 11(9), 1260. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11091260