Maternal aggression towards infants, particularly in primates, including monkeys, can be alarming but is a well-documented phenomenon with several underlying reasons. One primary reason is stress. In overcrowded or resource-scarce environments, mothers may exhibit aggressive behaviors towards their offspring due to heightened stress levels. This can be exacerbated by competition for food, shelter, or social status within the group.
Another factor is the mother’s inexperience. First-time mothers or younger females may not have developed adequate maternal skills, leading to rough or aggressive interactions with their infants. This inexperience can sometimes result in unintentional harm to the young ones.
Social dynamics within monkey groups also play a significant role. High-ranking females might display aggression to assert dominance or due to tension with other group members. If the infant is perceived as a threat to the mother’s social standing or if the mother herself is subjected to aggression from higher-ranking females, she might displace this aggression onto her offspring.
Additionally, health issues in either the mother or the infant can contribute to such behavior. A sick or weak infant might elicit less maternal care and more aggression, as the mother’s instinct might prioritize resources for healthier offspring.
In some cases, there is also the aspect of natural selection. Infanticide, though rare, can occur if a new dominant male takes over a group and kills the offspring sired by the previous alpha male, prompting the females to become fertile again sooner.
Understanding these behaviors requires careful observation and consideration of the complex social structures and environmental pressures faced by monkey populations.