Title
Are cape ground squirrels (Xerus inauris) induced or spontaneous ovulators?
Abbreviated Journal Title
J. Mammal.
Keywords
ground squirrel; induced ovulation; progesterone; spontaneous ovulation; Xerus; MOLE-RAT; REPRODUCTIVE-BIOLOGY; CRYPTOMYS-DAMARENSIS; SCIURIDAE; RODENTIA; BEHAVIOR; FEMALES; MAMMALS; ESTRUS; Zoology
Abstract
Little is known about the ovulation patterns in ground squirrels, even though the timing of ovulation could Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inauris) is a social, nonhibernating, semifossorial rodent with aseasonal reproduction. Evidence suggests that sperm competition is an important aspect of male reproductive success in this species. We examined whether the Cape ground squirrel is an induced or spontaneous ovulator. Fifteen reproductive adult females were removed from natal colonies and housed individually. Females were subjected to I of 3 trials: no male contact, chemical and visual contact but no physical contact with intact males, or direct contact with epididymectomized males. Females from each of the 3 experimental treatments exhibited similar urinary progesterone metabolite concentrations and qualitative ovarian histology. Neither the presence of males nor copulation appear necessary for ovulation to occur, and ovulation in this social African ground squirrel appears to be spontaneous.
Journal Title
Journal of Mammalogy
Volume
87
Issue/Number
1
Publication Date
1-1-2006
Document Type
Article
Language
English
First Page
60
Last Page
66
WOS Identifier
ISSN
0022-2372
Recommended Citation
"Are cape ground squirrels (Xerus inauris) induced or spontaneous ovulators?" (2006). Faculty Bibliography 2000s. 5971.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/facultybib2000/5971
Comments
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