Age-specific effects of density and weather on body condition and birth rates in a large herbivore, the Przewalski's horse.

ABSTRACT: Reproduction in young females can show a particularly sensitive response to environmental challenges, although empirical support from individual-based long-term studies is scarce. Based on a 20-year data set from a free-roaming Przewalski's horse population (Equus ferus przewalskii), we studied effects of large-herbivore density (horses + cattle) and weather conditions experienced during different life stages on females' annual birth rates. Foaling probability was very low in 2-year-olds, reaching maximum values in 5 to 10-year-olds, followed by a decrease in older females indicating reproductive senescence. Mother's previous reproductive investment affected her current reproduction; young and old mothers (as opposed to middle-aged ones), which had nursed a foal for at least 60 days during

SUBMITTER: Rodel HG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10684615 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature