Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5587819 | General and Comparative Endocrinology | 2017 | 7 Pages |
Abstract
We studied the interaction between torpor and reproduction in free-ranging female Tasmanian echidnas using a combination of techniques including urogenital smears, hormone analysis, ultrasonography, external temperature loggers and camera traps. Male echidnas initiated mating activity by locating hibernating females. All females that mated or were disturbed by males prior to July 27 re-entered hibernation, including many that were pregnant. Pregnant females only entered hibernation in early pregnancy when plasma progesterone concentrations were about twice basal and progesterone then remained constant during torpor. By re-entering hibernation pregnant females extended their gestation period and delayed egg-laying. Progesterone peaked 4-6Â days before egg-laying, then dropped rapidly.
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Authors
Gemma E. Morrow, Sue M. Jones, Stewart C. Nicol,