Description
Adolescence and sexual maturity: 3-8 years
3 years – Rhesus macaque females reach sexual maturity [18,19]. Maturity may be reached sooner in captivity [20].
4 years – Rhesus macaque males and cynomolgus macaque females reach sexual maturity [17].
7 years – Cynomolgus macaque males reach sexual maturity; can be earlier in some captive colonies [18,19].
Sexual maturity – Increases in sex hormones influence secondary sexual characteristics and behaviour [18,19].
Female oestrous cycle is 26-29 days in rhesus macaques [21] and 26-38 days in cynomolgus macaques [20,22]. Accompanied by reddening of the sexual skin on the rump and face. Peak fertility (ovulation) occurs 11-14 days after onset of menstruation in both species regardless of cycle length [23].
