‘Hippy’ monkey is a killer when starved of sex – Sexual Frustration and its effects

The muriqui’s peaceful reputation stems mainly from northern populations that feed on abundant leaves, and where males patiently queue to mate with females.But in the southern population where the attack took place, fruit is more widely available than in the north, and this may provide a clue to the assault, says Mauricio Talebi of the Federal University of São Paulo-Diadema, Brazil, who led the research.Because fruit is widely dispersed, females detach from the main group to locate it, making them less available for sex with the males than in the north where everyone stays together to eat leaves.Lacking ready mates, males may become frustrated, creating mutual tension and aggression. Also, muriqui males bond closely for life with male siblings and relatives. Filippo Aureli of Liverpool John Moores University, UK, says that this facilitates “gang” attacks, as closely bonded males are in a strong position to victimise an individual.

‘Hippy’ monkey is a killer when starved of sex – life – 04 July 2009 – New Scientist

This might be an interesting pointer to what’s happening with primates in general. It talks about how when access to females is plentiful, these monkeys tend to be patient, caring and “patiently wait in line to mate with a female”. Whereas if this access is made harder, it turns into frustration, which then turns into agression