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Reproduction in females of the little free-tailed bat, Tadarida (Chaerephon) pumila, in the eastern Transvaal, South Africa

Summary. Little free-tailed bats (2–9/month) were collected over 15 months in the eastern Transvaal lowveld (latitude 24°59'S). There was an extended but distinct breeding season of 8 months per year. Females appeared to be polyoestrous and able to bear 3 pregnancies per breeding season. There was a progressive decrease in the magnitude of the three birth peaks during the breeding season, with a concomitant slight loss in birth synchronization. Gestation period was 60 days and one young per female was the rule, with implantation occurring only in the right uterine horn of the bicornuate uterus. It is suggested that offspring are weaned before the age of 21 days, and that females become sexually mature in the following breeding season at the age of 5–12 months.