- Linking behaviour and physiology of female bonobos (Pan
paniscus) (2005) - The present study investigates sexual
behaviour and the importance of dominance in female bonobos.
Detailed behavioural studies were carried out on four mixed-sex
captive bonobo groups; morphological data and faecal samples
were collected to allow non-invasive assessment of physiological
parameters. First, I addressed the background for the
variability in patterns of menstrual and swelling cycles in
bonobos. The duration of menstrual intervals was influenced by
reproductive history. Menstrual cycles and phases of maximum
tumescence of the sexual swelling lasted longer in lactating
females. Parity did not influence cycle patterns. Further, the
variability of the duration of intermenstrual intervals was
found to be mainly caused by variability in follicular phase
length. The luteal phase, contrastingly, was much less variable
and did not influence the length of intermenstrual intervals.
This raises the question whether sexual swellings