CHANGES IN THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF LORIS TARDIGRADUS LYDEKKERIANUS (CABRERA)

Abstract

Changeiinthe reproductive organs of the male slender loris, Lorla tardigradus lvderkkerianus (Cabrera), have been studied by observations on 151 male lorises collected from forests near Bangalore, South India, over a period of over 3 years. The males are spermatogenically active throughout the year with no period of quiescence during any season. The weights of the seminal vesicles, prostate and Cowper''s glands show an increase parallel with increase in testicular weight. However, there is a seasonal variation in the weight of the accessory glands; they reach a peak of activity in May prior to the period of mating in June-July. The cycle of growth, maturity and breeding of loris based on present data and observations of other workers is presented. The period of immaturity in male loris is about 10-11 months; the first set of young are born when the females are about 2 years old. The accessory glands show seasonal fluctuations in weight though the testes are spermatogenically active throughout the year.