Wild Geladas (Theropithecus Gelada) in Crops Reduce Aggression and Affiliation More Than in Pasture Areas

The study assessed the impact of crop and pasture areas on the social behavior and health of wild geladas in Kundi, Ethiopia. Data from 140 individuals showed that crop areas posed more challenges, with higher human disturbance and greater prevalence of pathologies like alopecia and swollen parts. Fecal samples from crop users had higher rates of parasitic elements. In crop areas, geladas spent less time grooming and exhibited lower rates of intense aggression, likely as a strategy to avoid detection and maximize food intake.