Abstract
The reproduction and postnatal development of the bushveld gerbil Gerbilliscus (formerly Tatera) leucogaster was studied in the laboratory. Nineteen pairs produced 23 litters. Mean litter size was 3.5 and gestation was 21–22 days. Neonates weighed 3.7 g on average and were altricial. Development was slow, with eyes usually opening 16–18 days after birth, and weaning occurring by about 24 days of age. The earliest age of sexual maturity was 6.6 weeks in females and 9.9 weeks in males. A comparison with other studies of G. leucogaster, and with closely and distantly related similar-sized murid rodents, indicates that reproduction generally varies with geographic location, and that the slow postnatal development of G. leucogaster appears to be phylogenetically constrained.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
