Dominance rank and fecal testosterone levels in adult male chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda

Am J Primatol. 2004 Sep;64(1):71-82. doi: 10.1002/ajp.20062.

Abstract

In an attempt to describe hormone-behavior interactions in a sample of wild male chimpanzees, we quantified testosterone in 67 fecal samples obtained from 22 adult male chimpanzees at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda. A mixed-model methodology that controlled for age-class identified a significant positive association between testosterone levels and dominance rank. The results are consistent with those reported from a separate, smaller chimpanzee community in the same population in a study that analyzed testosterone levels in urine [Muller & Wrangham, 2004]. As in that earlier study, our results held during a period of social stability, which is not consistent with predictions of the "challenge hypothesis." We concur with Muller and Wrangham [2004] that the challenge hypothesis requires modification to explain the chimpanzee data, because fission-fusion sociality in chimpanzees makes challenges unpredictable. We also discuss the utility of fecal samples and a mixed-model statistical method for behavioral endocrinology studies.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / analysis
  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild / physiology
  • Feces / chemistry*
  • Male
  • Pan troglodytes / physiology*
  • Radioimmunoassay / veterinary*
  • Social Dominance*
  • Testosterone / analysis*
  • Uganda

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Testosterone