Reaction to Snakes in Wild Moor Macaques (Macaca maura)

Abstract Snake predation is considered an important evolutionary force for primates. Yet, very few studies have documented encounters between primates and snakes in the wild. Here, we provide a preliminary account of how wild moor macaques ( Macaca maura ) respond to seven species real model snakes. Snakes could be local dangerous (i.e., venomous or constricting), nondangerous, novel dangerous. Macaques reacted most strongly constrictors pythons), exploring them producing alarm calls, partially vipers (both novel), but no calls. However, they did not react other king cobra) nondangerous species. Our results suggest that discriminate from ones, may use specific cues (e.g., triangular head shape) generalize their previous experience with