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Reproduction and postnatal development in the bush Karoo rat Otomys unisulcatus (Muridae, Otomyinae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 July 2001

N. Pillay
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of Natal, Private Bag X10, Dalbridge 4014, South Africa
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Abstract

Reproduction and postnatal development of the southern African bush Karoo rat Otomys unisulcatus was studied in the laboratory. Fifty-one litters were obtained from 17 pairs, with a mean litter size of 2.09, reproductive effort of 0.58 and gestation period of 37 days. Neonates weighed 6.1–9.6 g and were semi-precocial. Weaning began as early as 8 days of age, and the age at first reproduction was 6 weeks in males and 5 weeks in females. Compared to its congeners, O. unisulcatus has small litters of semi-precocial young which undergo rapid postnatal development, and contrary to expectations displays several K-selected reproductive characteristics. The reproductive biology and postnatal development of the bush Karoo appears to reflect a compromise between exploiting sporadically abundant resources and the occupation of stick lodges, which may provide a favourable microclimate to buffer the harsh external climate.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2001 The Zoological Society of London

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