Annual reproductive pattern in the dassie Procavia capensis

Abstract

Proximate factors influencing the reproductive pattern andrate in dassies are examined in an area subject to markedseasonal climatic variation. The influence of photoperiod is confirmed with no modifying influence by either temperatureor rainfull during the period of the study. Testicular andovarian activity was related, showing a peak in ovulation and fertilization between the period mid-March and mid-April. Of 49 pregnant females collected between June and December,83% had either two or three embryos/fetuses. Growth curvesfor differing litter sizes have been calculated. Failure to increase litter size appears to be related more to a conservativeovulation rate than to ova not fertilized or fetal wastage,although ova loss increased with increasing ovulation rate.