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Reproductive biology of Sykes and blue monkeys ( Cercopithecus mitis )
Author(s) -
Else James G.,
Eley Robert M.,
Suleman Mbaruk A.,
Lequin Rudolf M.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
american journal of primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1098-2345
pISSN - 0275-2565
DOI - 10.1002/ajp.1350090304
Subject(s) - biology , captivity , subspecies , reproduction , zoology , reproductive biology , luteal phase , harem , physiology , reproductive behavior , ecology , endocrinology , demography , pregnancy , lactation , follicular phase , population , genetics , sociology , family planning , research methodology
Abstract Thirty‐five live births were recorded over a 5‐year period from three subspecies of the mitis (Sykes and blue) monkey ( Cercopithecus mitis ) maintained outdoors in single‐male harem breeding groups. There was no indication of birth seasonality. Females of one subspecies, C. m. kolbi , were individually caged, and basic reproductive parameters were monitored. A menstrual cycle length of 31.9 ± 6.0 days was recorded, and there were a large number of irregular cycles. Within individuals, mean progesterone and estrogen concentrations during the luteal phase of the cycle ranged from 5.5 to 10.7 nmol/liter and from 542 to 829 pmol/liter, respectively. Attempts at timed matings were unsuccessful. It is concluded that the mitis monkey is slow to adapt reproductively to captivity and is, therefore, not especially well‐suited for routine reproductive studies. However, it may prove valuable to elucidate some of the more complex factors controlling guenon reproduction.