Each member of the troop has its special place among the others. He also keeps squabbles among the others under control. You will see the subordinate members scurry out of his way when he comes toward them. One way to establish dominance is by mounting one another. One macaque will present its rear for the more dominant macaque to mount, to show its subordination to the other.
Facial expressions are also an important means of communicating among Japanese macaques.
Eye contact is considered a threat, along with raising the eyebrow and forehead, and opening the mouth to display teeth. For them, humans laughing and smiling is threatening because we are showing our teeth. Macaques are famous for their seemingly endless grooming of one another, which is not only important for cleanliness, but serves as an important means of bonding between the members of a troop. The next time you are visiting the zoo, stop and watch the macaques for awhile to see many of the interesting behaviors of these intelligent animals. Barnes and Noble Highlight Barnes and Noble will be working with Mill Mountain Zoo throughout the summer on special on-site programming during events like Membership Night and Breakfast with the Animals.