Type of forage influences the timing of reproduction in the edible dormouse

Abstract

AbstractIn the communities with periodic pulses of food availability relationship of time frames of resource peaks and reproduction of consumers has essential importance for survival of posterity. Mammals can adapt to periodicity using abiotic and biotic cues in ecosystems. In some cases, they can give birth to juveniles long before the maximal food availability, providing best conditions for juveniles instead of mature females. The species which can cope with masting periods in temperate broad-leaved forests through different reproductive mechanisms is the edible dormouse. The nature of such anticipation in oak-dominated forests was explored. In years of complete absence of acorns, dormice reproduced in anticipation of a substitute forage, hazel nuts. Births of juveniles occurred even earlier than in years of oak masting. Differences in litter size were not found. Such an exact tracking of food availability at early stage of maturation shows that the “prediction” of future food supply in the edible dormouse is the dependence of natal rate from minimal amount of necessary nutrients, being energetic trigger of successful reproduction or complete resorption of embryos. It was indirectly confirmed by the analysis of amino acids contained in both forages and a laboratory experiment. The synchronization of seeds ripening and growth of posterity provides the maximal food abundance at the dissolution of litters when juveniles are most vulnerable. This strategy allows the species to survive long hibernation and reach a high longevity.