Reproduction in the yellow mongoose revisited

Abstract

Previous reports on female reproduction in yellow mongooses, based on anatomical examination of specimens, concluded that this species is monoestral but with an extended breeding period. Our long-term studies on known females provide clear evidence of the production of two litters annually within a period of 2-4 months, females initiating a new oestrus cycle while still lactating. We present a biological explanation for the adaptive significance of polyoestry in this species based on a unique mode of infant nutrition for viverrids.