Non-invasive collection and analysis of semen in wild macaques

摘要: Assessments of primate male fertility via semen analyses are so far restricted to captivity. This study describes a non-invasive method collect and analyse in wild primates, based on fieldwork with Yakushima macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui). Over nine mating seasons between 1993 2010, 128 masturbatory ejaculations were recorded 21 males 5 troops, 11 non-troop males. In 55 %, ejaculate volume was directly estimated, 37 pH-value, sperm vitality, numbers, morphology swimming velocity could also be determined. approach assessing production rates individual can applied other taxa, particular largely terrestrial populations where masturbate frequently, such as baboons. Furthermore, since explanations reproductive skew non-human have until now ignored the potential role quality, presented here will help answer this question.