Dl. Lipschitz et al., Reproductive behavioral changes during the ovarian cycle of lesser bushbabies (Galago moholi) in captivity, AM J PRIMAT, 55(2), 2001, pp. 101-115
Behavioral patterns were quantified in seven heterosexual lesser bushbaby (
Galago moholi) pairs during the estrous cycle to determine the relative sig
nificance of behavioral and nonbehavioral components of female sexuality in
mate attraction. Increases in the occurrence of several male behaviors ind
icating female attractiveness were initiated during vaginal swelling when t
he female was sexually nonreceptive. Female behavioral estrus, as indicated
by intromission, was confined to a portion of vaginal opening coinciding w
ith proestrous and vaginal estrous smears. Female attractiveness was mainta
ined for much of the period of vaginal opening, whereas female receptivity
ended a day or two earlier than attractiveness. Female receptive and procep
tive behaviors were not well defined or extensive, and few female behaviors
exhibited significant changes during the cycle. Scent-marking behaviors, s
uch as urine washes, and male grooms, were generally elevated outside the b
ehavioral estrous period. In G. moholi, male sexual arousal appears to be e
licited primarily by female attractiveness, while behavioral components of
female sexuality appear to be less important in influencing mate attraction
. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.