Individual differences in play in Macaca fuscata: The role of maternal status and proximity

Dominant and subordinate Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata)females displayed differential treatment of offspring with respect to play. Offspring of more dominant females were more often observed in play than the offspring of a lowranking female. The levels of play in all juveniles varied as a function of the distance from the mother; play was more likely to occur at distances of greater than 3 m from the mother than at closer distances. Unlike the dominant females, the subordinate female maintained excessive contact with and proximity to her offspring. Mothers determined the complexity of the social environment in which their offspring matured by influencing the extent and nature of the peer play experiences of their offspring.