The Pattern of Reproduction in the Gerbilliscus cf. leucogaster (Rodentia: Muridae) from Namibia

Very little is known about the reproductive biology of the Gerbilliscus cf. leucogaster (Peters, 1852), despite its wide distribution throughout the southern African sub-region. This study analyses body mass, reproductiveâ tract morphometrics and gonadal histology were studied over 12 months in wild caught G. cf. leucogaster from the central part of Namibia in an attempt to gain insights into the pattern of reproduction in this species. The number of Graafian follicles and corpora lutea in 93 females increased at the end dry period (September) and throughout the wet months of the year (October-May) relative to that of the dry season (Jun-Aug). Pregnant and lactating females were recorded during the wet months of the year, with a peak observed during February. Testicular mass relative to body mass, testicular volume and seminiferous tubule diameter in 64% of males increased significantly during the rainfall period (October-June). In addition, 8% of males exhibited little spermatogenesis and 28% showed no spermatogenesis or presence of sperm in the epididymis during the dry period (June-August). These findings suggest the G. cf. leucogaster breeds predominantly during the rainfall period in Namibia when the food resources are more abundant.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author