The effects of kinship on structuring complex social networks: a cross-sectional study in mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx)

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Kinship is one of the major driving forces influencing social relationships and social networks in animal societies, and understanding its impact upon the evolution of sociality is one of the central goals in behavioural ecology. Our main objectives are to illuminate how kin selection shapes the society of wild mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) and to determine the fitness consequences of kin-related behaviour. As a result of widespread female philopatry and male natal dispersal, most studies of kin selection in primates have been restricted to relationships occurring between familiar maternal kin. However, there are numerous individuals related through the paternal line that are unfamiliar with each other because they are raised in different matrilineal families. Kin selection should, however, also affect social relationships that occur between paternal kin. In this project, we will examine the evidence for behavioural biases between unfamiliar paternal kin. Moreover, we will study the proximate mechanisms responsible for kin discrimination. Finally, we will analyse the ultimate consequences of interacting with kin. To attain these objectives, we will work on two mandrill populations, each with major strengths: a captive colony of mandrills will allow us to manipulate animals and to test proximate mechanisms using experimental bioassays, and we will initiate long-term behavioural studies of the fitness consequences of kin-related behaviour in a wild population of habituated mandrills. Results will contribute to the clarification of the role of kin selection in shaping complex societies and social networks.