Reproduction in female Gould's wattled bat, Chalinolobus gouldii (Gray) (Vespertilionidae), in Western Australia.

Abstract

Reproductive organs of female C. gouldii and changes in the ovaries, uterine horns, corpus uteri and vagina during the reproductive cycle are described. In the south-west of Western Australia, C. gouldii is monoestrous with pro-oestrus from January to March or April. Females are inseminated at the beginning of winter (a late winter insemination may also occur). Sperm is stored over winter in the core of a vaginal plug, in uterine glands, and in the uterine part of the oviducts. Ovulation and fertilization begin at the end of winter, from two to nine ova being shed from each ovary. Corpora lutea may be deeply embedded in the ovaries and ovulation apparently causes considerable break-down of capillaries at the point of rupture. Pregnancies occur in both horns and twinning is the rule. Gestation lasts about 3 months. After parturition there is a rapid involution of uterine horns and vagina, followed by a brief lactation anoestrus. The beginning of the period of births varies with latitude. In the south-west region it commences late November or early December; in the central region late (and possibly early) October or early November; in the northern region late September or early October.