![]() As no study has lasted longer than a bonobo lifespan, total number of offspring per female is unknown. Therefore, lactation may suppress ovulation, but not the outward signs of estrus. The average interbirth interval is 4.6 years (4.8 if one only includes live births). During this period, she continues to lactate until her offspring is weaned at around 4 years. At this point, copulation may resume, although these copulations do not lead to conception, indicating that the female is probably not fertile. A female may resume external signs of estrus (i.e. Postpartum amenorrhea lasts less than one year in bonobos. Matings are concentrated during the time of maximal swelling. Some of the seminal studies of this species have noted that “bonobos have not yet been studied long enough to provide data on age at sexual maturity or birth interval” (Nishida and Hiraiwa-Hasegawa, 1987), the most frequently researched “Wamba and Lomako study populations lack long-term demographic data” (Thompson-Handler et al., 1984), and “information on the demography of wild bonobos is very limited compared to that for chimpanzees” (Furuichi et al., 1998).įemale bonobos undergo estrus, marked by distinctive swelling of the perineal tissue lasting 10 to 20 days. ( Kano, 1992)īasic life history traits of bonobos are under-researched. However, the mating system may be confused by the use of sexual activity in these animals as part of social bond formation. Females may be approached by and copulate with, any male in the group except their sons.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |