Chipmunk Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology
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Male
Penis
- Os penis lies within the tissue of the penis.
Testes
- Two testes in an external scrotum.
- Testes descend into the scrotum at the beginning of the mating season (January) and begin spermatogenesis.
- Open inguinal canals throughout life.
- Allows testes to shrink and return to the abdomen in the non-breeding season.
Puberty and Sexual Maturity
- Sexually mature at 6-7 weeks.
Mammary Gland
- Teats are absent.
Female
Reproductive Tract
- Bicornate uterus
- Short uterine body
- Single cervix
Puberty and Sexual Maturity
- Sexually mature at 12 months.
Oestrous Cyclicity
- Seasonally Polyoestrous.
- Spontaneous ovulator.
- Breeding season is March-September.
- Length of oestrous cycle: 14 days
- Oestrus lasts three days.
- Advertises willingness to mate with persistent chipping noise on the second day of oestrus.
Gestation and Offspring
Gestation
- Gestation period 28-32 days.
Litter
- Litter size 2-6
- Altricial young
- Weaned at 6-7 weeks
Mammary Gland
- 4 pairs of teats.