REPRODUCTION

Rodents reproduce rapidly and have large litter sizes (Fig. 7.9). The myomorphs and sciuromorphs have short gesta­tion periods (16-18 days in hamsters) and give birth to altricial young. These are rapidly weaned at 6-10 weeks and often capable of reproducing themselves in the same season (Hurst 1999).

Figure 7.9 • Rabbits and rodents have phenomenal reproductive rates - these Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) can start breeding from 10-12 weeks and reproduce every 26 days!