Foetal Growth Curves and Seasonal Breeding in the Natal Clinging Bat Miniopterus Schreibersi Natalensis

Abstract

Growth of the foetus of Miniopterus schreibersi natalensis is described. The gestation period in this subspecies is 240 days of which 120 days is the period of delayed implantation. Birth mass is taken as 2,7 g from measurements of near-term foetuses. Foetal growth follows a typical J-shaped curve during the last half of the gestation period. Young of M. s. natalensis are proportionately lighter at birth than many other mammals.