Dynamics of Estrous Synchrony in Captive Gray Mouse Lemurs (Microcebus murinus)

摘要: Estrous synchrony in seasonal breeders can principle be based on and shaped by environmental, internal, and/or social cues. We analyzed the dynamics of estrous for first time a seasonal, nocturnal primate species, gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus). compared successive cycles different levels spatial proximity over two reproductive seasons captive population order to identify possible influences synchrony. The females exhibited marked at beginning each season, but we found no indication process socially induced synchronization among them. Females housed same cage/room were not more strongly synchronized than cages/rooms. Moreover, desynchronized from second estrus season. cycle length did depend age, parity, or housing conditions, instead mainly individuality lemurs. This individuality, shown is likely an endogenous rhythm with genetic basis. discuss advantages, e.g., communal rearing, disadvantages, mate choice female-female competition, primates living dispersed individualized network, propose that moderate flexibility within individual lengths probably enables compromise between socioecological pressures.