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Reproductive biology of the male Cape porcupine, Hystrix africaeaustralis

Summary. The reproductive tract of the male Cape porcupine is morphologically and histologically similar to that of New World hystricomorph rodents. Males are reproductively active throughout the year and attained sexual maturity (complete spermatogenesis) at an age of 8–18 months. Testes weight, epididymides weight and seminiferous tubule diameter attained asymptotic values at the age of 23–30 months. A tendency towards seasonality in the activity of accessory glands, preceded and accompanied by an increase in circulating plasma testosterone values, may be considered as a factor enforcing seasonal breeding in females. Testosterone concentrations in pubertal males were significantly higher than those recorded in sexually mature males.