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Brief communication: Morphometric data for adult lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus)
N C Harvey1, A S Clarke, D G Lindburg
1Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species, San Diego, California 92112.
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|June 1, 1991
Summary
This study details morphometric data for the rare lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus), revealing significant sexual dimorphism. Male macaques are larger, with notable variation in secondary sexual traits, aligning with primate allometry patterns.
Area of Science:
- Primatology
- Zoology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- The lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) is a rare primate species.
- Limited morphometric data are available for Macaca silenus, hindering comparative studies.
- Understanding morphometrics is crucial for conservation and evolutionary biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To collect and analyze basic morphometric data from adult lion-tailed macaques.
- To quantify sexual dimorphism in Macaca silenus.
- To compare morphometric patterns with broader primate trends.
Main Methods:
- Collected gross body size measurements (weight, crown-rump length, rump-heel length) from 22 adult Macaca silenus.
- Measured secondary sexual characteristics (canine tooth size, testes size) in males.
- Performed statistical analyses to assess correlations and sexual dimorphism.
Main Results:
- Males were significantly larger and heavier than females, indicating marked sexual dimorphism.
- Body size measures correlated in males but not females.
- Considerable individual variation observed in male secondary sexual characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Morphometrics of Macaca silenus exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism.
- Findings are consistent with positive allometry for body size and sexual dimorphism in primates.
- This data provides a baseline for future comparative and conservation research on lion-tailed macaques.