Influences of mating groups on the reproductive success of the Southern Sichuan Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens styani)

Abstract

The reproduction of female red pandas under three different husbandry conditions (monogamy, polygamy, and polyandry) was studied at the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding, and Chengdu Zoological Park, China. We monitored the fecal steroid profiles of seven females by radioimmunoassay in order to understand how the different mating groupings affect the animals' reproductive success. Of the seven females studied, all gave birth except the one that was kept in the polyandrous group. Although fecal estradiol metabolites exhibited several peaks during estrus, only one coincided with mating behavior. Fecal progesterone metabolites did not display a sustained rise in the absence of mating behavior, even though estradiol displayed a peak of secretion. This suggests that the red panda may be an induced ovulator. During gestation, fecal progesterone metabolites were maintained at a comparatively high level, and were much higher than those of nonpregnant females. The female in the polyandrous group showed an abnormal estradiol metabolite profile, with a level that was four to five times higher than those of the females in the polygynous groupings. It was observed that this female always escaped and hid in the trees to avoid courtships with males, and did not give birth. This phenomenon suggests that polyandrous groupings may be unsuitable for successful reproduction in captivity. Zoo Biol 24:169–176, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.