Vervet monkeys socialize more when time budget constraints are experimentally reduced

In species that live in stable groups, successful management of time budget (i.e., the proportion involved different behaviours) and social relationships has been proposed to be a key variable affecting individual fitness. Such is limited by constraints, which are group size season dependancy. However, link between constraints grooming patterns as means service never studied experimentally. Here, we reduced three wild vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops pygerythrus) groups offering them high quality food for 60 min morning. We conducted 10 trials summer winter. found monkeys indeed spent foraging during rest those days compared control increased spread over more bouts. Individuals did not get access still participated much eat. accordance with our expectations, network analysis revealed larger on supplementation days: used their extra socialize members. Furthermore, following predictions, effect provisioning was usually stronger winter (when scarce shorter) than summer, number conflicts decreased days. Finally, despite fact adults juveniles all days, few age differences emerged way manage budget. Interestingly, some these seem independent size. conclusion, seize opportunity increase behaviours if reduced.