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

Abstract

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