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Patterns of sexual behavior in male macaques
C Shively1, S Clarke1, N King1
1California Primate Research Center and Psychology Department, University of California, Davis.
American Journal of Primatology
|March 20, 2020
Summary
Macaque sexual behavior varies by species, with some using single or multiple mount patterns. These patterns correlate with male social rank, competition, and tolerance, offering insights into primate social dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Primate Ethology
- Animal Behavior
- Sociobiology
Background:
- Sexual behavior and dominance interactions are key components of primate social systems.
- Mounting patterns in macaques can vary, potentially reflecting underlying social structures.
- Understanding these patterns can provide insights into evolutionary strategies and social dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare sexual behavior patterns in three macaque species: Macaca mulatta, Macaca fascicularis, and Macaca radiata.
- To examine the relationship between social rank, age, and sexual activity in these species.
- To explore the correlation between mounting patterns and levels of intermale competition and tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Observation of social groups of three macaque species in large outdoor enclosures.
- Data collection over 150 hours using a focal animal technique by experienced observers.
- Recording of sexual behavior parameters (mount-to-ejaculation patterns, thrusts, mounts, duration) and social rank for adult males.
Main Results:
- Macaca mulatta predominantly used a multiple mount-to-ejaculation (MME) pattern (91%).
- Macaca radiata predominantly used a single mount-to-ejaculation (SME) pattern (91%).
- Macaca fascicularis exhibited a mixed pattern (53% MME, 47% SME).
- Positive correlation between rank and sexual activity in M. mulatta and M. fascicularis.
- Negative correlation between rank and sexual activity in M. radiata, with subordinate males being more active.
- M. radiata showed a positive correlation between rank and age, indicating younger, subordinate males were most active.
Conclusions:
- Macaque mounting patterns (SME vs. MME) are strongly associated with species-specific social dynamics.
- SME patterns correlate with higher intermale tolerance and lower competition, while MME patterns correlate with lower tolerance and higher competition.
- These findings suggest a link between reproductive strategies, social structure, and male-male interactions in macaques.
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