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Population density does not affect seasonal regulation of reproductive physiology in male water voles.

ABSTRACT: Most small rodent species display cyclic fluctuations in their population density. The mechanisms behind these cyclical variations are not yet clearly understood. Density-dependent effects on reproductive function could affect these population variations. The fossorial water vole ecotype, Arvicola terrestris, exhibits multi-year cyclical dynamics with outbreak peaks. Here, we monitored different water vole populations over 3 years, in spring and autumn, to evaluate whether population density is related to male reproductive physiology. Our results show an effect of season and inter-annual factors on testis mass, plasmatic testosterone level, and androgen-dependent seminal vesicle mass. By contrast, population density does not affect any of these parameters, suggesting a lack of modulation of population dynamics by population density.

SUBMITTER: Poissenot K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9945398 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Population density does not affect seasonal regulation of reproductive physiology in male water voles.

Poissenot Kevin K Moussu Chantal C Brachet Morgane M Chesneau Didier D Chemineau Philippe P Lainé Anne-Lyse AL Migaud Martine M Charbonnel Nathalie N Keller Matthieu M

Biology letters 20230222 2

Most small rodent species display cyclic fluctuations in their population density. The mechanisms behind these cyclical variations are not yet clearly understood. Density-dependent effects on reproductive function could affect these population variations. The fossorial water vole ecotype, <i>Arvicola terrestris</i>, exhibits multi-year cyclical dynamics with outbreak peaks. Here, we monitored different water vole populations over 3 years, in spring and autumn, to evaluate whether population dens ...[more]

PMID: 36815586

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