Aseasonal reproduction in the Hottentot golden mole, Amblysomus hottentotus (Afrosoricida: Chrysochloridae) from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

The Hottentot golden mole, Amblysomus hottentotus, is a subterranean mammal that exhibits aseasonal breeding. Reproductive organs of golden moles that had been killed on a monthly basis over a period of one year were examined. Reproductive tract measurements and body mass of each individual was measured and ovarian and testicular histology investigated. Body mass of males was significantly higher than that of females. Ovarian and testicular volume as well as seminiferous tubule diameter did not vary statistically on a seasonal basis. Graafian follicles and corpora lutea were present in the ovaries for nine months of the year, suggesting that ovulation can occur in any month. Despite the lack of seasonality, there appears to be enhanced follicular development during the warm, wet summer months. The litters tend to be small, mean ± S.E.: 2.0 ± 0.1 (range 1.0–3.0).

Keywords: reproductive organs, histology, body mass, litter size