title: Changes in fecal estrogen levels and sexual behavior in captive sichuan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) following a male replacement.
abstract: Rhinopithecus roxellana are generally seasonal breeders, although copulation can occur throughout the year. Previous studies suggest that estradiol modulates female sexual behavior during the mating season. However, the effects of social context on estrogen levels and behavior have not been fully explored. We studied the relationship between sexual behaviors and fecal estrogens in a group of captive R. roxellana during a period of social instability. We collected behavioral data for six months and collected fecal samples at 2-3-day intervals for four months spanning the mating and nonmating seasons, and analyzed fecal estrogen levels via RIA. Females showed clear cyclic solicitation and copulation peaks in the mating season, which corresponded with sharp peaks in fecal estrogens. During the nonmating season, solicitation rates, copulation rates, and fecal estrogens were generally low. However, one nonpregnant female displayed a sharp peak in solicitations, copulations, and estrogens during the nonmating season 10-14 days after a male replacement. Our results provide preliminary evidence that social and behavioral changes affect estrogen levels in R. roxellana.
authors.affiliation: Division of EcoScience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Yena
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Eunha
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ko
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lappan
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kezele
authors.forename: Soo Whan
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Jae Chun
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Choe
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D016673:Colobinae / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000032:analysis*; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D006127:Group Structure; D008297:Male; D011863:Radioimmunoassay / Q000662:veterinary; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens