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Reproductive biology of male Formosan Reeves' muntjac ( Muntiacus reevesi micrurus )
Author(s) -
Pei Kurtis,
Liu HwanWun
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1994.tb08589.x
Subject(s) - biology , zoology , reproductive biology , antler , adult male , ecology , fishery , embryo , embryogenesis , endocrinology
The reproductive biology of the male Formosan Reeves' muntjac ( Muntiacus reevesi micrurus ) was investigated by observations on both wild and captive populations in Taiwan. The data showed that the testis reaches its maximum size at 2–3 years of age, while spermatogenesis starts in animals 8–10 months old. Hard antlers were cast from late April to late May, and the growth of new antlers was completed by August‐September. Evidence suggested that young individuals born between October and January will acquire the first set of hard antlers during their first August‐September when they are 8–12 months of age. For those born between February and September, however, first antlers are not produced until the second August‐September at 13–21 months old. Both sexes continue to develop the pedicle after birth, but the process stops around four months of age in females. The formation of the first antler in male muntjacs is probably regulated by both the secretion of the testicular androgen and an unidentified environmental factor. Indirect evidence also suggests that male muntjac are fertile year‐round.