Macaque Grooming

Why do Macaque Monkeys lick the Genitals of Infants

Grooming is defined as "any act in which a macaque used its hand or mouth to touch, clean, or manipulate the fur of another individual". Infant handling behaviors included inspect, teeth-chatter, hold, groom, and bridge." (See Table 2)

Table 2. Definitions of infant handling behaviors

Behaviour	Definition
Inspect	Handler brought its face within 15 cm of an infant and peered at it or smelt the genital area.
Teeth Chatter	Handler was in proximity to an infant and made clicking sounds with their teeth toward the infant.
Hold	Handler grabbed an infant using one or both hands.
Groom	Handler manipulated an infant’s hair with its hand and/or mouth (except for momentary touching), sometimes removing and eating small items found in the infant’s fur.
Bridge	Handler in proximity to the mother and glancing at the infant, with the infant carried by either the mother or handler. The pair held the infant between them and simultaneously licked the infant’s genitals or body while teeth-chattering vigorously.