Conservation Park in Japan
Female monkey boss for the first time – mating season puts status to the test
Three Japanese macaques enjoy a hot bath (icon image)
© Kyodo / Picture Alliance
Yakei is the first female leader of a flock of macaques in a Japanese national park. 677 monkeys live here. But the mating season poses challenges for Yakei.
Yakei has achieved what many women dream of: She defeated patriarchy. The nine-year-old female Japanese macaque has overthrown the alpha male of her troupe. She became the first female guide in the 70-year history of the Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden in Japan. 677 monkeys live her. Yakei is her boss.
Japanese macaques are also known as snow monkeys or red-faced macaques – because of their red faces. The primates are considered to be very intelligent and have a fondness for hot springs.
Yakei’s rise to alpha status surprised both researchers and park staff, writes the New York Times. Her way to the top saw a few struggles: First, last April, Yakei beat up her own mother to get the top spot among the females in her troupe. Then she attacked three standing males and finally took on Nanchu, who had led the troupe for five years and, at 31, had no chance against the young yakei.
The New York Times quoted scientist Yu Kaigaishi as saying that Yakei displayed behavior that is only known from dominant males. She walks with her tail raised and shakes tree branches with her body. “It sounds like she’s acting like an adult male, more aggressive than the other individuals.” And it doesn’t exactly sound like a different, unique female leadership style.
The female monkey from Japan inspires many
Researchers and employees of the nature reserve are now asking themselves: How long can Yakei hold her position? During the mating season, Yakei is in something of a chaotic love triangle, “a messy love triangle,” writes the New York Times. In the past, Goro, who ranks sixth in the group, tried his luck with Yakei, and the female monkey also showed interest. However, since she’s been at the top, Goro has lost interest in Yakei.
Japanese macaques in the Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden in Japan
© Kyodo News / Imago Images
Since then, 18-year-old Luffy, fifth in line, has tried to woo Yakei, but has so far been unsuccessful. Nevertheless, something seems to be shaking in the hierarchy of the monkey group. Kaigaishi told the New York Times that he visited the park last week and that Yakei showed Luffy an expression typical of subordinate individuals. He also observed Luffy pushing Yakei away to grab food. More data is needed to come to any conclusions. But it seemed like Luffy Yakei was dominating. In any case, scientists and employees in the park will continue to keep a close eye on the hierarchies in the group.
Yakei’s victory stuff to the top of the monkey flock has sparked excitement in many people. The New York Times article has been liked tens of thousands of times on Twitter. Yakei is celebrated as a “girlboss”. And some even see Yakei’s story as the stuff of a hit TV or streaming show.
Source: “New York Times”, Twitter