Abstract

Cynopterus sphinx is known to use polygynous mating system based on availability of resources, called resource defense polygyny. It is the primary mating strategy adopted by C. sphinx. In addition to such harem groups, a number of single adult males roost solitarily, nearer to the harems. Identifying the reasons behind the solitary roosting behaviour of such adult males is essential to further understand further the details of mating strategy in C. sphinx. In this context incomplete monopolization of harem females by harem males and nonharem male’s access to harem females is to be observed. The role of nonharem males as probable fathers has not been tested. In the present study, PCR based RAPD markers were used to assess the paternity of harem males and nearby nonharem males to the young born in the harems. A total of 30 arbitrary primers were used to assign the parentage of offsprings. Samples from a total of 651 individuals (41 harem males, 295 females, 267 suckling pups and 48 solitary males) from 41 harems (dry season 14 harems and wet season 27 harems) of C. sphinx were tested for their RAPD-PCR patterns. The molecular results suggest that the nonharem males also gain access to harem females and sire more offspring in July-August breeding season (wet) than March-April breeding season (dry). These results suggest that nonharem males are reproductively active and enjoy some reproductive success.

Key words: Cynopterus sphinx, nonharem male, alternative strategy, mating system, paternity assessment, RAPD markers