Reproductive seasonality of the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) at northern limits of its distribution
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2014 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Journal of Mammalogy |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1644/14-MAMM-A-035 |
| Field | Zoology |
| Keywords | Chiroptera desert Mediterranean phenology Pteropodidae reproduction reproductive pattern |
| Description | Here we summarize data on annual course of reproduction in the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) from two climatically distinct areas, the Mediterranean and desert, located at the northernmost limits of its distribution. In both regions the reproductive seasonality was characterized by a distinct bimodality in birth timing regardless of differences in climate. Low incidence of simultaneous pregnancy and lactation indicated that both seasonal bimodal polyoestry with and without post partum oestrus may occur in both regions, with a possibly lower incidence of post-partum oestrus in females from the Mediterranean population. Observed shifts in birth timing between the Mediterranean and desert study area corresponded to differences in fruiting phenology of major dietary plants between particular regions. The male reproductive cycle was synchronized with female so that the period of testicular recrudescence occurred during the peak pregnancy period. Since the male testis size was related to body mass irrespective of body size we hypothesize that food abundance is an important trigger of male sexual activity. Rousettus aegyptiacus is the sole species with seasonal bimodal polyoestry among Palaearctic bats. |
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