Fecal testosterone levels positively correlated with sexually motivated behaviors in male Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana)

• DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12718
• Publication Date: 2024-06-22T03:19:25Z
• Authors: Yong Zhu; Qixin Zhang; Ruisong Tao; Zhuozhi Gao; Dongpo Xia
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine

Abstract Background Testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating sexual behavior among non‐human primates, working primarily by increasing copulatory and motivation. In this study, we analyzed fecal testosterone levels five adult male Tibetan macaques ( Macaca thibetana ) living freely the Huangshan National Reserve Anhui Province. The aim was to investigate relationships between sexually motivated behaviors. Methods We collected total of 426 samples observed approximately 453 h focal sampling behavioral data. Sexually behaviors were categorized as chase, grimace, sexual‐inspection. Results results showed positive correlation behavior. Furthermore, all three behaviors, including sexual‐inspection, positively correlated with levels. Conclusion Our demonstrated correlations free‐ranging macaques.