Correlations between Social Context and Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Concentrations in Free-ranging Female Gray-cheeked Mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena) in Kibale National Park, Uganda

An elevated concentration of glucocorticoids is an indicator of stress, and chronically high glucocorticoid levels are often associated with poor health and reduced fertility. We explored conditions that might be stressors in the lives of adult female gray-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena) by measuring fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCM) concentrations. During a six-month study we collected 109 fecal samples from 28 adult females from five groups in Kibale National Park, Uganda. We examined fecal fGCM levels of individual females relative to their own reproductive status (cycling or not cycling) and that of other females and to the presence of newcomer (immigrant) males. We found elevated fGCM concentrations in females when other females in their groups were at the peak of sexual swelling, and when immigrant males joined the group.