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Mating-associated peak in plasma testosterone concentration in wild male grey-headed flying foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus)

Summary. Plasma testosterone (T) concentrations, measured in wild bats of P. poliocephalus in Queensland in 1983–87, showed a peak during the mating season in March. Plasma androstenedione (A) concentrations changed less dramatically with season. Mean testicular concentration and total content of T and A was substantially greater in March than in regressed testes in July–October. Paired adrenal glands were heavier during February to April than during September to November. In the same wild population, throughout a single breeding season (1987), plasma T concentrations were significantly higher in mid-March than 3 weeks previously or 3 weeks later. Testicular T content rose as the breeding season progressed, being greatest during March, coinciding with the large rise in plasma T concentrations. Testicular T concentration and content were correlated significantly with plasma T concentrations. Adrenal glands contained T, but the absolute concentrations were much lower than in the testis. No significant changes in plasma, testicular or adrenal A concentrations were found as the breeding season progressed. The large increase in plasma T during the mating season appears to be due to increased testicular production.

Keywords: testosterone; androstenedione; testis; flying fox; mating