Hurricane Maria Transforms Social Dynamics of Puerto Rican Macaques

The devastation led to increased tolerance and cooperation among rhesus macaques, enhancing their survival.

Hurricane Maria destroyed 63% of vegetation on Cayo Santiago, drastically reducing available shade.
Macaques adapted by increasing social tolerance, reducing aggression, and sharing scarce resources.
Post-hurricane, macaques with higher social tolerance had a 42% lower mortality rate.
The study highlights the flexibility and resilience of macaque social behavior in response to environmental changes.
Researchers suggest that social relationships may help group-living animals cope with climate change.