Abstract
AbstractSexual behavior in animals fulfills reproductive and social functions, extending beyond the traditional focus on reproduction. Same-sex sexual behavior, defined as genital contact or manipulation between individuals of the same sex, occurs in various primate species. In spider monkeys, grappling, a behavior involving prolonged mutual embraces, face greeting, tail intertwining, and genital manipulation, occurs primarily between males. Here, we report a novel incidence of same-sex sexual behavior and grappling between two subadult male brown-headed spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps). Our observation contributes to the understanding of the social functions of sexual behavior and to the broader appreciation of primate sexuality.
Funder
Eva Mayr-Stihl Stiftung
Heinrich Böll Stiftung
Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC