Join our zoo community

Distinguishing between males and females

Discussion in 'Animal Photography' started by michaelrichards, 24 Jul 2015.

  1. michaelrichards

    michaelrichards Member

    Joined:
    9 Feb 2013
    Posts:
    15
    Location:
    Chester
    Which species present the most problems when trying to visually distinguish between males and females, without a hands-on inspection?
     
    michaelrichards, 24 Jul 2015
    #1
  2. LaughingDove

    LaughingDove Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    16 May 2014
    Posts:
    2,492
    Location:
    Oxford/Warsaw
    There are lots of species where it is completely impossible to distinguish between male and female without a DNA test or checking an animal's insides.
     
    LaughingDove, 24 Jul 2015
    #2
  3. michaelrichards

    michaelrichards Member

    Joined:
    9 Feb 2013
    Posts:
    15
    Location:
    Chester
    Can anyone provide some useful examples when the problem is particularly acute for species commonly kept by zoos?
     
    michaelrichards, 24 Jul 2015
    #3
  4. LaughingDove

    LaughingDove Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    16 May 2014
    Posts:
    2,492
    Location:
    Oxford/Warsaw
    If you want an example that may pose particular problems in zoos, a good example is turacos. As far as I know, the only turaco species that is possible to sex visually is a White-bellied Go-away Bird. I believe all other species require being sexed genetically or surgically.
     
    LaughingDove, 24 Jul 2015
    #4
  5. DDcorvus

    DDcorvus Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    18 Aug 2008
    Posts:
    1,303
    Location:
    everywhere and nowhere
    rainbow lorikeets are impossible to sex on sight.
     
    DDcorvus, 24 Jul 2015
    #5
  6. bongorob

    bongorob Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    18 May 2007
    Posts:
    6,338
    Location:
    Stoke-on-Trent England
    Capuchins are difficult to sex.
     
    bongorob, 24 Jul 2015
    #6
  7. Nisha

    Nisha Well-Known Member 10+ year member

    Joined:
    24 Jun 2009
    Posts:
    6,303
    Location:
    UK
    Giant Panda (*cough* Zoo Atlanta, who got three cubs wrong in a row!)

    Aardvarks - despite DNA tests now being standard practice for youngsters mistakes are still made
     
    Nisha, 24 Jul 2015
    #7
  8. Chlidonias

    Chlidonias Moderator Staff Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    13 Jun 2007
    Posts:
    23,440
    Location:
    New Zealand
    is this for school homework? It sounds like a homework question.
     
    Chlidonias, 25 Jul 2015
    #8
  9. michaelrichards

    michaelrichards Member

    Joined:
    9 Feb 2013
    Posts:
    15
    Location:
    Chester
    No, I'm a bit old for homework. Thanks to those who provided examples; I don't need any more.
     
    michaelrichards, 25 Jul 2015
    #9