Reproductive biology of female common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in New Zealand waters.

ABSTRACT: Reproductive biology was assessed in 106 female common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) examined post-mortem from stranding and bycatch events along the New Zealand coastline between 1997 and 2019. The average age (ASM) and length (LSM) at sexual maturity was estimated at 7.5 years and 183.5 cm, respectively. The total number of corpora in mature individuals increased with age and appeared to persist throughout life. Ovarian asymmetry was apparent, with the left ovary displaying higher rates of ovulation, and a maximum of 19 corpora recorded for a 24-year-old female. The estimated ovulation and annual pregnancy rates for mature females were 0.39 year^-1 and 30%, respectively. Conception and calving occurred year-round, with a weak seasonal increase observed in la

SUBMITTER: Palmer EI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9705467 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature