This study examined whether there is a relationship between maternal rank and infant social behavior in the green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus) of Barbados. Previous research on vervet monkeys suggests that maternal rank is strongly associated with infant rank and social behavior (Horrocks & Hunte , 2011). Typically, if a mother is higher ranking, the infant will be more social because the mother has no worries or concern that her child will be given back to her (Berman, 1980). If a mother is lower ranking, the child will also be lower ranking so, the mother will be more protective of their child. This naturalistic observational study was conducted on four mother-infant pairs at Grenade Hall in the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. The infants ranged in age from 1 week to 5 weeks, and they were all males. Three observers collected the frequencies of infant social behavior (i.e. proximity and solitary play/explore with others), using focal observation techniques over 4 weeks. The frequencies of each infant behavior were converted to rates per minute, and composite affiliative scores were also calculated for infant interactions with the mother and other animals. Maternal rank was determined with a food displacement task. The results of this study suggest that the infant’s total affiliation with others was higher for infants of high ranking mothers r (2)=.95, p=.05 . Overall, these findings add to the literature on how maternal rank may influence the social behavior of infant green monkeys. Future research should investigate the relationship between maternal rank and the social behavior of female infants, and also extend the amount of observation time beyond the first two months of life.
