Behavior and serum cholesterol in a social group of Cercopithecus aethiops

This report describes the extent of associations between selected behaviors and serum cholesterol concentrations in vervets (Cercopithecus aethiops) living in a stable social group. Approximately 18% of the behaviors performed by males and 7% of behaviors performed by females demonstrated significant correlations with baseline serum cholesterol. Under conditions of dietary challenge, 11% of male behaviors and 8% of female behaviors exhibited significant correlations. Although there are sex differences in the identity of behaviors correlated with cholesterol concentrations, subordinate individuals have higher serum cholesterol levels.