Maternal Traits and Reproduction in Richardson's Ground Squirrels

Abstract

Differences among conspecifics in body mass result from underlying differences in structural size and physiological condition. To determine whether the structural or physiological component of body mass has a stronger influence on reproductive traits at parturition, we studied the body composition (lean dry mass and fat content), structural size (1st principal component scores computed from 10 skeletal measurements), and body condition (residuals from regression of body mass on structural size) of yearling and older female Richardson's ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii). At parturition, differences among yearlings in body mass primarily reflected differences in structural size associated with continuing structural growth. Older females appeared to reach a deterministic adult structural size, and body mass of older females was most strongly associated with body condition. Structural size of yearling females and body condition of older females had significant positive effects on litter mass. For older females, date of parturition had a significant negative influence on litter size. Both yearling and older females exhibited significant positive effects of parturition date and body condition on neonate mass. In older females, trade—off resulted in smaller litters of heavier neonates as the breeding season progressed, perhaps reflecting the need for rapid growth of offspring before hibernation. Maternal size, maternal condition, and seasonal timing were important aspects of reproduction in Richardson's ground squirrels, but these characteristics are seldom considered concurrently in studies of life histories.