Reproductive cycle of the squirrel Sciurus variegatoides (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in Costa Rica

Reproductive cycle of the squirrel Sciurus variegatoides (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in Costa Rica

Authors

  • Javier Monge Meza Facultad de Ciencias Agroalimentarias, Universidad de Costa Rica

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v11i2.2260

Keywords:

squirrels, reproduction, population structure, Sciurus variegatoides, Costa Rica.

Abstract

Introduction: the squirrel Sciurus variegatoides is one of the most abundant species of squirrels in Central America, yet little is known about its reproduction. Objective: to determine the reproductive cycle of S. variegatoides in an agricultural area of Costa Rica. Methods: monthly (Dec. 1986 to Jan. 1988), I collected 10 animals at Hacienda Curú, Paquera, Costa Rica. I used scrotum presence, testicle size and length of the uterine horns to assess maturity. The reproductive cycle was based on pregnancy, lactation, courtship, nest construction, and proportion of subadults. Results: I collected a total 135 squirrels; sex ratio was 1,7 males per female; and 22% were subadults, both for males and females. I captured the pregnant females from December to June and represented 42% of the adult females. February and April were marked by courtship and an increase in the construction of nests. I collected lactating females from June to September, when I captured more subadults. Conclusion: There was no evidence of reproductive activity in October and November.

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Published

2019-02-26

How to Cite

Monge Meza, J. (2019). Reproductive cycle of the squirrel Sciurus variegatoides (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in Costa Rica. UNED Research Journal, 11(2), 105–111. https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v11i2.2260

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