Abstract
The reproductive behavior of 6 paired, captive Bornean tarsiers was studied over an 8-month period. Seven copulations were observed. Females signalled males by visual displays and olfactory cues from vulval rubbing. Males signalled females with courtship calls heard before matings. After a courtship lasting from 1 to 2 h, copulation occurred with the male thrusting 61–190 times for 60–90 s, ending in ejaculation. The female regulated timing of mating by rejection or avoidance of the male. Multiple matings were not observed, and mating occurred once or twice a night during each night of estrus. This copulatory pattern of infrequent matings of short duration and active female solicitation and regulation of copulating timing suggests a harem or monogamous system.