Seasonal variation and synchronization of sexual behaviors in free-ranging male Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) at Huangshan, China.
Although seasonal breeding has been documented in many non-human primates, it is not clear whether sexual behaviors show seasonal variation among male individuals. To test this hypothesis, the focal animal sampling method and continuous recording were used to investigate seasonal variation and synchronization of sexual behaviors in five male Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) at Mt. Huangshan from Oct 2005 to Sept 2006. Both copulatory and sexually motivated behaviors (i.e., sexual chase, grimace, and sexual-inspection), which were significantly higher in the mating season than non-mating season. Furthermore, seasonal variations of sexual behaviors, including copulatory and sexually motivated behaviors, were synchronized among males. The results shed light on sexual competition and tactics for reproductive success of male M. thibetana and other non-human primates with seasonal breeding.
Xia
Dong-Po
DP
School of Life Science, Anhui University, Hefei 230039.
Li
Jin-Hua
JH
Zhu
Yong
Y
Sun
Bing-Hua
BH
Sheeran
Lori K
LK
Matheson
Megan D
MD
D000818:Animals; D003307:Copulation; D008251:Macaca / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D012621:Seasons; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal