Delayed implantation in the Beech marten (Martes foina)

摘要: A detailed study of more than 100 Beech martens (Martes foina) captured in the Bordeaux region France has revealed that this species exhibits a prolonged eight month period delayed implantation which is initiated shortly after mating July and terminated late February. Implantation followed by normal gestation lasting about 30 days. Birth young at end March/beginning April lactation may last until mid-May. The marten appears to conform pattern exhibited other mustelids with possessing inactive corpora lutea throughout delay phase. The resumption embryonic growth preceded phase luteal activation during increase size vascularity cells hypertrophy plasma concentration progesterone increases significantly.