Seasonal reproductive dynamics in a tropical Australian rodent, Rattus tunneyi tunneyi (Rodentia : Muridae)

Abstract

Histological and gross assessments and measurements of gonads and related organs are used to analyse the pattern of reproduction in the native murid rodent, Rattus tunneyi tunneyi. This is the first study to confirm by histological analysis the breeding dynamics of this rat in all seasons of the year. It was found to breed between the latter part of the wet season and the middle of the dry period, at which time seasonal suppression of breeding occurred in both adults and maturing individuals.