Life history of the springhare (Pedetes capensis) from a strongly seasonal environment in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

摘要: The life history of the springhare ( Pedetes capensis,  Forster, 1778) at 33°S, in Eastern Cape Province South Africa, was characterized by continuous, aseasonal and asynchronous reproduction. Females were monotocous consecutive pregnancies separated a non pregnant period (30–50 days) similar length to lactation. Young relatively large birth (8% adult body weight) but altricial only emerged from burrow weaning. Towards end lactation, many females mated again (20% all both lactating early pregnancy) annual fecundity probably two never more than three. For rodent, albeit one, this is very slow rate reproduction we propose that ricochetal locomotion (jumping on hind legs) semi-fossorial style will have resulted decreased juvenile mortality, increased longevity, these factors shaped evolution springhare. Keywords: reproduction, Rodentia,