Abstract
Ochotona princeps in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado were seasonally polyestrous; all adult females initiated 2 litters each summer. However, most females (24 of 25) weaned only a single litter. The number of successfully weaned litters and offspring was divided evenly between 1st and 2nd breeding attempts. Less than 10% of juveniles emerged from 2nd litters. Apparently females are capable of weaning 2nd litters, but only if 1st litters are lost. Loss of 1st litters may result from nest predation or poor maternal condition caused by extreme winters. -from Authors
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1551-1559 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
Volume | 61 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1983 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Animal Science and Zoology