Size at Birth, Postnatal Growth, and Reproductive Timing in an Australian Microbat.

ABSTRACT: Reproductive phenology, size at birth, and postnatal growth are important life history traits that reflect parental investment. The ability to document detailed changes in these traits can be a valuable tool in the identification and management of at-risk wildlife populations. We examined reproductive traits in a common, widespread Australian microbat, Chalinolobus gouldii, at two sites over two years and derived growth curves and age estimation equations which will be useful in the study of how intrinsic and extrinsic factors alter parental investment strategies. We found that male and female offspring did not differ significantly in their size at birth or their postnatal growth rates. Bats born in 2018 were smaller at birth but grew at a faster rate than those born in 2017. When d

SUBMITTER: Eastick DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9436771 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature