Julia A Kunz, Guilhem J Duvot, Maria A van Noordwijk, Erik P Willems, Manuela Townsend, Neneng Mardianah, Sri Suci Utami Atmoko, Erin R Vogel, Taufiq Purna Nugraha, Michael Heistermann, Muhammad Agil, Tony Weingrill, Carel P van Schaik
Abstract: Sexual coercion, in the form of forced copulations, is relatively frequently observed in orangutans and generally attributed to their semi-solitary lifestyle. High ecological costs of association for females may be responsible for this lifestyle and may have prevented the evolution of morphological fertility indicators (e.g., sexual swellings), which would attract (male) associates. Therefore, sexual conflict may arise not only about mating per se but also about associations, because males may benefit from associations with females to monitor their reproductive state and attempt to monopolize their sexual activities...
2021: Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology