Seasonality and climatic control of reproduction in wild-caught female Lesser Egyptian jerboa (Jaculus jaculus) from central Saudi Arabia

Defining the link between oxidative stress, behavioural reproductive suppression and heterothermy in the Natal mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis)

“…Abiotic factors that mammals must adapt to, such as variation in ambient temperature or resource availability can vary across seasons resulting in seasonal physiological and behavioural changes. These physiological changes can occur in reproduction (Alagaili et al, 2017;Hart et al, 2021a;Hart et al, 2020a), body condition (Scantlebury et al, 2006;Yom-Tov and Geffen, 2011), body temperature (Riek et al, 2017), energetics (Zelová et al, 2011) and thermoregulation (Moshkin et al, 2001), whereas behavioural changes can include variation in activity profiles (Finn et al, 2022;Riek et al, 2017).…”

Seasonality of reproduction in Bathyergidae is a function of group size: A novel hypothesis (Rodentia)

“…As such, seasonal breeding in small mammal reproduction is often confined to specific periods of the year, which ensures optimal body condition for the breeding female and the maximal growth rates and survival of the offspring (wet season) (Fitzgerald & McManus 2000, Ims 1990). Conversely, when conditions become unfavourable (dry season), many small mammal species cease all reproductive activity and channel their time and energy into more vital and immediate processes, such as foraging, to survive (Belhocine et al 2007, Alagaili et al 2017, Hart et al 2018, 2020a, 2021a, Khokhlova et al 2000. Furthermore, seasonally breeding small mammals often use consistent and predictable environmental parameters, such as photoperiod, temperature and humidity, to name a few, as proxies of when rainfall should occur (Bronson & Heideman 1994, Medger et al 2012, Alagaili et al 2017, Hart et al 2018, 2020a, 2021a.…”

“…Conversely, when conditions become unfavourable (dry season), many small mammal species cease all reproductive activity and channel their time and energy into more vital and immediate processes, such as foraging, to survive (Belhocine et al 2007, Alagaili et al 2017, Hart et al 2018, 2020a, 2021a, Khokhlova et al 2000. Furthermore, seasonally breeding small mammals often use consistent and predictable environmental parameters, such as photoperiod, temperature and humidity, to name a few, as proxies of when rainfall should occur (Bronson & Heideman 1994, Medger et al 2012, Alagaili et al 2017, Hart et al 2018, 2020a, 2021a. These zeitgebers of the circannual breeding rhythm are decisive controlling factors of seasonal breeding even under laboratory conditions (Karsch et al 1989).…”