Copulation plays an important role in the herd and is mainly intended to reduce tension. It is practiced regardless of age, sex, or rank in the herd. Sexual intercourse in exchange for food, greeting, resolving conflicts, or “reconciling” after a conflict is common.
Sexual intercourse takes place in a variety of positions. Bonobos are the only non-human primates to have sex face-to-face (one in three copulations). Tongue kissing, genital rubbing, and oral or homosexual sex have been observed, in both males and females.
It is presumed that female bonobos rubbing their genitals reflect orgasm by emitting squeals and smiles (laboratory experiments on lion-tailed macaques have shown that females are not the only female primates capable of physiological orgasm).
