Urinary testosterone concentrations in males and urinary progesterone and oestradiol concentrations in females were measured in the Cape mole-rat (Georychus capensis) and compared for the summer and winter periods. The Cape mole-rat breeds seasonally, with sexual activity and subsequent pregnancy recorded during the winter months in the southern hemisphere. Despite the fact that it has a distinct breeding season, seasonal differences in urinary hormone concentrations of both male and female Cape mole-rats were not statistically significant. This finding supports the notion the Cape mole-rat may have the opportunity to operate as an opportunistic breeder if fortuitous environmental conditions arise, such as unseasonal rainfall, occurring at these normally non-favourable times of the year.
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1 April 2009
Seasonal Variation in Gonadal Steroids of Males and Females in the Cape Mole-Rat (Georychus capensis): The Potential for Opportunistic Breeding
M.K. Oosthuizen,
N.C. Bennett
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African Zoology
Vol. 44 • No. 1
April 2009
Vol. 44 • No. 1
April 2009
Cape mole-rat
oestrogen
progesterone
seasonal breeding
testosterone