Copulatory behavior of the Jaguar Panthera onca (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae)

• Main Authors: Pedro Nacib Jorge-Neto, Cristiane Schilbach Pizzutto, Gediendson Ribeiro de Araújo, Thyara de Deco-Souza, Leanes Cruz da Silva, Jorge Aparecido Salomão Jr., Hernan Baldassare
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wildlife Information Liaison Development Society 2018-12-01
• Series: Journal of Threatened Taxa
• Subjects: copulation; receptiveness; reproduction; sexual behavior
• Online Access: https://www.threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/article/view/4218
• ISSN: 0974-7893; 0974-7907

The relevance of the Jaguar in  Brazilian fauna is incompatible with the lack of literature regarding its reproductive behavior, showing that research in this area should be intensified.  The knowledge of its basic reproductive behavior is extremely important for understanding the fertility factors of the species and the role it plays in its ecosystem.  In this study, we analyzed 210 sequences of sexual behaviors of Jaguars Panthera onca starting from proceptivity of the female and ending with copulation; this sequence is called the copulatory behavior.  Behavioral sequences were filmed, and the observed behaviors were analyzed and recorded including occurrence frequency.  Different behaviors were observed in association with two types of copulation, it was understood that copulation occurs with and without penile penetration.  The information found in the present study is valuable for the reproductive management of Jaguars.