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


W.J. van der Colf
R.J. van Aarde

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 ( = 2,85 ± 1,37 ng/ml; n = 15) and December ( = 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).

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eISSN: 2224-073X
print ISSN: 1562-7020