Sexual Swellings And Reproduction Of Female Baboon
Sexual Swellings/Reproduction The female baboon has a menstrual cycle just like
human females have (Alberts et al., 2015; Altmann et al., 2015; Fitzpatrick, 2015).
While the human menstrual cycle lasts for 5 7 days, the baboon s menstrual cycle
will last up to 35 days (Alberts et al., 2015; Altmann et al., 2015; Fitzpatrick, 2015).
When estrus approaches, the femalebaboonwill develop large swellings on or near
the vulva, perineum, and anus (Alberts et al., 2015; Altmann et al., 2015; Fitzpatrick,
2015). These swellings attract males, and plenty of baboon males will compete for
that female (Alberts et al., 2015; Altmann et al., 2015; Fitzpatrick, 2015). This
competition can become very violent, and whoever wins the competition,
reproduction will begin between him and that female (Alberts et al., 2015; Altmann
et al., 2015; Fitzpatrick, 2015).
The most dominant male will mate with most estrous females (Alberts et al., 2015;
Altmann et al., 2015; Fitzpatrick, 2015). After ovulation is over, the female s
swellings rapidly decrease (Alberts et al., 2015; Altmann et al., 2015; Fitzpatrick,
2015). That female will no longer be attracted to males, and will care for herself
and her young (Alberts et al., 2015; Altmann et al., 2015; Fitzpatrick, 2015). After
six months, one infant is born (Alberts et al., 2015; Altmann et al., 2015; Fitzpatrick,
2015). The young baboons are mainly black in color (Alberts et al., 2015; Altmann et
al., 2015; Fitzpatrick, 2015).
Birth and Breeding