Snow Monkey Solo Sessions

Japanese macaques, famous for bathing in hot springs, have another behavior that's been extensively documented: masturbation.

Both male and female macaques engage in self-stimulation regularly. Researchers have observed: - Males using their hands in various techniques - Females rubbing against objects - Both sexes using stones as tools - Some individuals developing preferred techniques they return to repeatedly

Perhaps most surprisingly, female Japanese macaques have been observed mounting other females and using them to achieve stimulation — a form of same-sex sexual behavior that doesn't involve males at all.

Why do they do it? Scientists believe masturbation serves several purposes: - Practice for actual mating - Stress relief in social situations - Pleasure — the behavior appears inherently rewarding - Possibly sperm management for males (replacing old sperm with fresh)

Masturbation has been documented in dozens of primate species, but Japanese macaques are among the best-studied due to their tolerance of human observers and their habit of performing the behavior openly.

The behavior is completely normal in wild populations and doesn't seem to affect their reproductive success. Males who masturbate still compete successfully for mates.

This research helps scientists understand that sexual behavior exists on a spectrum in nature, and that self-stimulation is a normal part of many animals' behavioral repertoire.