Epididymal Sperm Maturation in Bats with Prolonged Sperm Storage

Abstract

Epididymal sperm maturation is the process through which sperm acquire the potential to fertilize the egg. For most mammals, studies report that this process is completed before the sperm enter the cauda region of the epididymis; however, in some bat species, such as the Mexican big-eared bat (Corynorhinus mexicanus), this does not occur, as the process does not end until the sperm are inside the cauda of the epididymis, and thus is associated with a long storage period.