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Biology of Reproduction 66, 610-615 (2002)
© 2002 Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.

Regular Article

Transient Masculinization in the Fossa, Cryptoprocta ferox (Carnivora, Viverridae)1

Clare E. Hawkinsa, John F. Dallasb, Paul A. Fowler2,c, Rosie Woodroffed, and Paul A. Raceyb

a Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, United Kingdom b National Environment Research Council Molecular Genetics in Ecology Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, United Kingdom c Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom d Ecology and Epidemiology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom

In at least 9 mammalian species, females are masculinized throughout life, but the benefits of this remain unclear despite decades of thorough study, in particular of the spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) in which the phenomenon has been associated with a high fitness cost. Through examination of wild and captive fossas (Cryptoprocta ferox, Viverridae), androgen assays, and DNA typing for confirmation of gender, we made the first discovery of transient masculinization of a female mammal. Juvenile female fossas exhibited an enlarged, spinescent clitoris supported by an os clitoridis and a pigmented secretion on the underpart fur that in adults was confined to males. These features appeared to diminish with age. The majority of adult females lacked them, and os clitoridis length was inversely related to head-body length. No evidence was found to link this masculinization to elevated female androgen levels. Circulating concentrations of testosterone and androstenedione, but not dihydrotestosterone, were significantly lower in females than in males. No significant differences in testosterone, androstenedione, or dihydrotestosterone levels were found between juvenile (masculinized) and adult (nonmasculinized) females. There are several possible physiological mechanisms for this masculinization. None of the hypotheses so far proposed to explain the evolutionary basis of female masculinization in mammals are applicable to our findings. We present 2 new hypotheses for testing and development.

First decision: 16 July 2001.

1 This work was supported by the Leverhulme Trust and The Fossa Fund.

2 Correspondence: Paul Fowler, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, U.K. FAX: 44 1224 684880; p.a.fowler{at}abdn.ac.uk






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Copyright © 2002 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction.