Winter reproduction of cyclomorphic mammals: from a case to the phenomenon

Abstract

In 2010 (a year of drought), the true winter breeding (TWB) of the pygmy wood mouse (S. uralensis) was first recorded in the Southern Urals and confirmed by the morphological parameters and age markers. The young born in winter fulfilled successfully their reproductive potential under favorable climatic conditions. The true winter breeding and the age cross of animals during the year of drought promoted the maximum population growth and enhanced population genetic heterogeneity. In subsequent years, TWB of S. uralensis became common, which is regarded as a climatic pattern. Extreme drought rearranged the rodent community and caused TWB of S. uralensis, which resulted in a higher abundance of the species.