Sometimes the displayer has a penile erection throughout the encounter. Occasionally grooming follows this display. Only dominant Vervets display this behavior and it ' s significance is to show off his potency and leadership. The subordinate male responds to this display by sitting hunched or crouching and uttering a series of specific grunts and squawks. The desire to groom and to be groomed is an important factor in troop cohesion.
Grooming takes place at all times.
High rates of grooming were significantly correlated with high rates of alliance formation. High ranking members received more grooming than others members. Grooming is practiced by all members. Grooming is very essential in a Vervet monkey troop and its significance is to ensure bonding between troop members. Activity starts at dawn, usually a little later during cold weather, and foraging continues actively until about mid-morning when the troop may find a sheltered area in which to rest.