Masters Thesis

Effects of a Social Introduction on Group Structure: Utilizing a Network Approach to Examine Changes in Social Structure and Stability in a Zoo-Housed Group of Hamadryas Baboons (Papio Hamadryas)

Comprehensive knowledge of social groups within zoos allows for better understanding of the issues surrounding group stability and how to best provide these species with optimal care. A developing area of sociality research is social network analysis (SNA), which is the analysis of social systems utilizing the construction of a network and allows scientists to utilize quantitative measures of group systems to represent social structure. In December 2015, Oakland Zoo introduced two new males to the hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) exhibit. I examined the group structure of these baboons over the course of six months on three levels: group cohesion, subgroup structure and individual centrality. This study found that the introduction of two juvenile males decreased overall group connectedness and that the new males did not increase their individual centrality relative to the group. However, knowing that the group is less well-connected is important for zoo-staff in making further decisions that may affect to social structure of the baboon group. Further research on the social networks of hamadryas baboons could provide more information about the societal structure of this primate species. The group structure may also continue to change as the new males mature and form harems of their own. Therefore, Oakland Zoo may choose to conduct longitudinal studies to fully comprehend the structure of the baboon group. Utilizing a network approach to quantify social cohesion will allow for a better understanding of social cohesion of many species in captivity and upholding good animal welfare and care of these species.

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