Publications by authors named "Lucie Rigaill"
Am J Primatol
August 2022
Article Synopsis
- This study focuses on olfactory communication in mammals, specifically how odors impact mating decisions in Japanese macaques, a type of primate.
- Researchers analyzed urine and vaginal swab samples to assess the relationship between odor characteristics and female identity or reproductive cycle phase.
- Findings indicate that individual odors differ more significantly than those categorized by cycle phases, suggesting that female odors encode information about identity and reproductive status, though further research is needed to explore how other macaques might interpret these signals.
Article Synopsis
- Research on female sexual ornaments in animals often highlights males, but females can also exhibit colorful traits.
- Previous studies on non-human primates mainly examined female sexual swellings, with limited focus on facial color, despite evidence suggesting this may indicate life history characteristics in some species.
- In a study of Japanese macaques, researchers found no link between female facial color and characteristics like age, dominance rank, or intestinal health, indicating more comprehensive future studies are needed.
Article Synopsis
- The study explores how male Japanese macaques respond to female sexual signals to determine if a female is pregnant and adjust their mating behavior accordingly.
- Researchers observed behavioral, visual, and hormonal changes in females during three phases: pre-conception, early pregnancy, and mid-pregnancy, noting a decrease in copulatory behavior from males during pregnancy.
- Findings suggest females use various signals, including changes in behavior and appearance, to indicate pregnancy, helping males avoid mating with non-receptive females, thus conserving energy for potential future reproductive opportunities.
Am J Primatol
November 2014
Article Synopsis
- Non-invasive hormonal profiling using fecal glucocorticoids (fGC) and DHEAS in captive Japanese macaques offers insights into their stress levels, physical fitness, and adaptability to environmental changes.
- The study involved female monkeys aged 4 months to 31 years, revealing that those housed in single cages had higher fGC and DHEAS levels compared to their counterparts in social groups outdoors.
- Findings indicate that fGC levels peak during the mating season and decline in lactating females, with age negatively correlating with these hormone levels, highlighting the potential for hormonal measurement to assess stress and aid in conservation strategies.
Article Synopsis
- In olive baboons, mating choices are influenced by a mix of visual, auditory, and olfactory signals related to female reproductive status, but few studies combine these methods.
- Research found that changes in sexual swelling size and female behaviors are key indicators of the fertile period, while swelling color does not play a significant role.
- Male baboons are more active during the fertile phase, responding to these signals, and the study suggests that sexual communication among these primates operates within a multimodal framework, allowing for varied mating strategies.
