Future research on Cayo Santiago-derived group M rhesus monkeys at Sabana Seca: the socioendocrinology of male reproductive development

Abstract

Group M is an intact social group transferred from Cayo Santiago to Sabana Seca in 1984 and will be used for research integrating biomedical and behavioral investigations. The initial research planned for Group M will assess how social factors mediate the interactions between hormones and behavior as they affect male reproductive maturation. Preliminary data indicate that social status can accelerate endocrine maturation in males and that high ranking males may have a head start in initiating their reproductive careers. Elucidating the socioendocrinology of male reproductive development will complement the many studies that have been undertaken on the sociobiology of male rhesus macaques at Cayo Santiago.