Reproductive biology of the Iberian hare, Lepus granatensis, in Portugal

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2002

Authors

Alves, PC (Author) FCUP; Goncalves, H (Author) Other; Santos, M (Author) FCUP; Rocha, A (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Mammalian Biology

Vol. 67

Pages: 358-371

ISSN: 1616-5047

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 18 Citations

Scopus - 22 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-RJV

DOI: 10.1078/1616-5047-00051

Abstract (EN): The Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) is endemic to Iberia. Its distribution range covers most of the Iberian Peninsula and it is one of the most important Local game species. However, information on several aspects of its biology, e. g., reproductive patterns, is scarce, limiting our ability to establish a sound management. Therefore, study of Iberian hare reproduction was carried out to: a) determine basic reproductive parameters; b) evaluate seasonal variation of breeding activity; and c) estimate annual productivity. Hares were captured every two months, from mid 1997 through 1999, in southern Portugal. In males, testes position, testes and epididymides weight, daily sperm production, extra-gonadal sperm reserves and serum concentration of testosterone were recorded. In females, weight of ovary, pregnancy rate, titter size, number of corpora lutea and placental scars, intra-uterine mortality, and potential production of young were assessed. Pregnant females and sexually active males were observed in all samples, indicating reproductive activity throughout the year. Mean testis weight was higher than 5 g in all sampled periods. The average numbers of daily sperm production and extra-gonadal sperm reserves were 356 x 10(6) and 1769 x 10(6) sperm cells, respectively. Testicular activity in males with intra-abdominal testes was established. Mean titter size, based on the number of embryos, was 1.56 +/- 0.10 (range between 1 and 4). A significantly higher number of corpora lutea than embryos was observed in pregnant females. Pre-natal mortality (due to loss of ova and resorption of embryos) in pregnant females with at Least one embryo was 21%. The proportion of pregnant females with pre-natal mortality was 26%. The estimated annual potential production of young (9.8) was similar to values observed in other hare species.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14