Seasonal changes in plasma testosterone levels in the male South African hedgehog (Atelerix frontalis)

Abstract

Testosterone levels in plasma collected ait monthly intervals from 6 to 15 male South African hedgehogs (Atelerix frontalis) housed in captivity showed a marked seasonal pattern. Values were relatively low (< 0,25 ng/ml) from February to June but increased significantly from July to August. Testosterone levels peaked in August (x̄ = 2,85 ± 1,37 ng/ml; n = 15) and December (x̄ = 2,73 ± 0,36 ng/ml; n = 6) remaining relatively high from August to January. This seasonal pattern is similar to that recorded in the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus).