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The reproductive biology of a free-ranging troop of Japanese monkeys

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Abstract

Quantitative data on the reproductive biology of Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata), especially of females, are reported here. Arashiyama B troop shows stable annual breeding periodicity, and has mating seasons between October and March. In mating seasons, females show estrus with rather consistent cyclicity, and are in estrus for a total of 35 days on an average. The mean length of estrous cycle is 34 days. Although most females show estrus inter-menstrually, some show peri-menstrually; i.e., estrus does not always synchronize strictly with ovulation. Pubescent females between 3.5 and 6.5 years show estrus, but with low sexual activity. Middle-aged females between 7.5 and 16.5 years show high sexual activity with high conception rate. Old-aged females over 17.5 years show low sexual activity. Females with surviving infants have lower sexual activity than those without infants. There is found no significant correlation between female's ranking and sexual activity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, 606, Kyoto, Japan

    Yukio Takahata

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  1. Yukio Takahata
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This study was financed partly by the Cooperative Research Fund of the Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University.

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Takahata, Y. The reproductive biology of a free-ranging troop of Japanese monkeys. Primates 21, 303–329 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02390462

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02390462

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