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Factors affecting breeding synchronization in an African bush squirrel (Paraxerus cepapi cepapi)

Little is known about the bush squirrel, Paraxerus cepapi cepapi, which occurs in southern Africa in the northern part of the Transvaal Province, South Africa, southern Botswana and the southern part of Rhodesia. During a 2-year study of the life history of the subspecies near Naboomspruit (28°47'E, 24°35'S), Transvaal, it was found that the animals are territorial, nest in holes in trees in family groups of 2–12 (mean = 5), are mainly vegetarian (flowers, fruit, seeds) but also feed on insects, and that they breed seasonally with a mean litter size of 2 (Viljoen, 1975a). A distinct 'oestrous vocalization', which attracts males from adjoining territories to take part in the mating chase, is given by females during the period of mating activity which lasts for 5–6 h from sunrise to midday. Observations on the synchronizing effect of this call on oestrus are reported in this paper, together with other details of the reproduction of the animals.