Filling in the holes: The reproductive biology of the understudied Mahali mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus mahali)

This study aimed to discern if this species exhibits a seasonal or aseasonal breeding pattern and whether there is a relaxation of reproductive suppression at any point in the year in non-breeding animals. The pattern of reproductive relaxation during the wetter months is similar to other Af rican mole-rat species. Interestingly, births and pregnant breeding females were recorded throughout the year, thus indicating an aseasonal breeding strategy, despite inhabiting a region that experiences seasonal rainfall. However, there were periods of the year favouring increased reproduction to e nable an increased likelihood of offspring survival. This suggests that the Mahali mole-rat may be an opportunistic breeder possibly brought about by the benefits of living in a cooperatively breeding group and potentially moving into more arid environments that were previously unexploited by the ge nus Cryptomys Gray, 1864.
Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology - Category: Zoology Authors: Source Type: research