Activity patterns in a sooty mangabey group.

Diurnal, temperature and weather influences on the activity profiles of a sooty mangabey group were compared to similar data previously reported for geladas and pigtail monkeys. Distinct behavioral profiles for each group were obtained despite the near identity of living conditions. Mangabey patterns in captivity appeared very similar to those reported for mangabeys in the wild. Sexually dimorphic behavioral patterns were demonstrated as well as the independence of several social orders. Infant care by multiple females and by males was observed and the conservative nature of mangabey responses to novelty noted.