Possible relations between reproduction of the yellow-necked mouse (Sylvaemus flavicollis) and oak yield

Abstract

Some species of mammals can reproduce in anticipation of future food abundance. During 2017–2018 we studied the reproduction of a common abundant species, the yellow-necked mouse Sylvaemus flavicollis, in oak communities to determine if the timing of reproduction has a predictive character during the autumn peak of reproduction. During the maturation of acorns the proportion of females in oestrus gradually decreased along with the share of males with reproductive activity. By the time the acorns were completely ripe and fell, the most of juveniles became independent, and a portion of the young females became sexually mature. In 2018, a high yield oak year, the sexual activity of the males was considerably higher than that in 2017, a moderate yield oak year, what can point on its role in the regulation of the intensity of reproduction. Thus, instead of any prediction, mating and pregnancy in a large proportion of the mice, began at the beginning of acorn ripening, due to females feeding on immature seeds, eliminating a delay between forage yield and rodent reproduction. A possible reason for this synchronization is the contents of triacylglycerols, the main constituents of body fat in animals, in the rodent diet. During the maturation of acorns, its proportion increases considerably, which can increase the survival rate of juveniles. How to cite this article: Vekhnik V.A., Vekhnik V.P., Rozentsvet O.A., Bogdanova E.S. 2019. Possible relations between reproduction of the yellow-necked mouse (Sylvaemus flavicollis) and oak yield //Russian J. Theriol. Vol.18. No.1. P.33–42. doi: 10.15298/rusjtheriol.18.1.04.