Estimación y número de camada de <i>Chaetodipus arenarius</i> (Rodentia: Heteromyidae) en Baja California Sur, México

Abstract

The reproductive cycle of a population of Chaetodipus arenarius sublucidus females was estudied. A gonadal-somatíc index was generated by embryo counts and by measuring the size of lhe gonads, the embryos, and the distance between embryo scars. Two peaks of reproductive activity ocurred during May and August. In general, gestating females with Ihe most embryos were the oldest. During tbe May-June peak, mos! females carried tbree embryos, increasing lo six during the second peak, probably due to environmental factors and increased food supply. The yearround average of embryos was 4.3.