Some Observations on the Reproduction of the Taiwan Ferret Badger (Melogale moschata subaurantiaca) in Southern Taiwan
Kurtis Pei
Department of Forest Resource Management and Technology, National Ping-tung Polytechnic Institute, Ping-tung, Taiwan 912, R.O.C.
Ying Wang
Institute of Biology, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan 117, R.O.C.
Taiwan ferret badgers (Melogale moschata subaurantiaca) were collected every month from 1991 to 1993 in southern Taiwan with a total of 238 specimens altogether. Post-mortem examination showed that their reproductive systems are typical of the Canoideas group and are symmetrical. Most adult males produced sperm from February to September, and almost all pregnant females were found between March and October. Newly independent males were collected between August and January. A weak synchronization in females' reproductive rhythm was observed. Litter size for the species is two, and evidence suggests that they breed once a year.
Keywords
Breeding season, Lactation period, Litter size, Mustelidae, Reproductive system
