The aftermath of Hurricane Maria in the Caribbean has left lasting effects not only on people but also on wildlife. Five years after the devastating storm, the impact on the environment and animal behavior is still being felt.
Cayo Santiago, a small island off the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico, is a stark example of the changes brought about by the hurricane. Once a lush jungle oasis, the island transformed into a desert-like spit of sand with mostly skeletal trees, leaving little shade for its resident macaques.
The rhesus macaques on the island rely on shade to keep cool in the tropical heat, but with the storm wiping out the trees, shade became a scarce resource. Surprisingly, instead of escalating into fierce competition over the limited shade, the macaques began to cooperate and get along.
Researchers, led by behavioral ecologist and neuroscientist Camille Testard from Harvard University, studied the macaques on Cayo Santiago and found that those who learned to share shade had a better chance of survival than those who remained aggressive. This unexpected change in behavior was documented in a paper published in the journal Science.
The study, based on data collected over 12 years at the Cayo Santiago Field Station, suggests that animals can adapt socially to environmental pressures, not just physiologically or morphologically. The macaques, free-ranging on the island but fed by staff members, faced extreme heat stress after the storm, leading to a shift in their social behavior.
Despite the challenging conditions, the macaques formed looser partnerships with a larger number of animals and became more tolerant of each other. This change in behavior resulted in a decrease in mortality rates for those who had more friendly relations, as they were less likely to suffer from heat stress.
The findings of the study have been praised by other experts in the field, highlighting the importance of behavioral plasticity in helping animals survive in changing habitats. The research also raises questions about how other species, including humans, may adapt socially to environmental upheaval.
While there is hope that humans would band together in times of crisis, Dr. Testard warns that there are limits to cooperation, especially if resources become too scarce. The study on the macaques of Cayo Santiago offers valuable insights into how animals can adapt and thrive in the face of adversity, shedding light on the potential for social resilience in the animal kingdom.
