%0 Journal Article
%T Leopard predation on wild Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys.
%A Yang B
%A Anderson JR
%A Gou NN
%A Luo J
%A Hong B
%A Fu WW
%A Chen YF
%A Wang WF
%A Cao BJ
%A Chen SY
%A Wang KF
%A Li BG
%J Primates
%V 64
%N 6
%D 2023 Nov 9
%M 37555863
%F 1.781
%R 10.1007/s10329-023-01084-7
%X Predation is widely recognized as a powerful selective pressure on primate behavior and ecology, although knowledge of predator-prey relationships remains limited partly due to the rarity of directly observed attacks on primates. Here, we describe four confirmed or suspected instances of leopard (Panthera pardus) predation on free-ranging Sichuan (golden) snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana), a highly endangered colobine species endemic to China. We recorded predation events and the reactions of monkey group members. We suggest that the evolution of a multilevel society may be an adaptive response by Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys to the risk from leopards as well as other potential predators, one that balances the pressures of predation and intra-species competition and conflict.