Female testosterone, dominance rank, and aggression in an Ethiopian population of hybrid baboons

Am J Primatol. 2005 Sep;67(1):101-19. doi: 10.1002/ajp.20172.

Abstract

Studies on the relationship between female testosterone (T) measures and behavior, particularly in free-ranging primate populations, remain scant. In this study we used fecal steroid analysis to examine the effects of seasonal, reproductive, and social factors on female T in a group of free-ranging hybrid baboons (Papio sp.) in the Awash National Park of Ethiopia. We collected behavioral and hormonal data from 25 adult females across an 11-month period. Solid phase extraction and radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques were used to quantify T in 776 fecal samples collected weekly from each female. The results indicate that 1) the females had elevated T during pregnancy and during the wet season relative to other periods, 2) female dominance rank was positively related to T measures, and 3) female T and aggression were positively related within subjects but not across subjects. Higher T concentrations during pregnancy are consistent with other published profiles of pregnancy in primates. In combination with data on foraging, wet season increases in T may indicate contest competition for females. The rank-T relationship may be mediated by supplants or aggression. Finally, we discuss the different interpretations of the hormone-behavior relationship based on within- and across-subject analyses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aggression / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Feces / chemistry
  • Female
  • Papio / genetics
  • Papio / physiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Reproduction / physiology
  • Seasons
  • Social Dominance*
  • Testosterone / physiology*

Substances

  • Testosterone