Reproduction, maternal and social behaviour of the European water shrew under laboratory conditions

Abstract

The European water shrew, Neomys fodiens (Pennant, 1771), was reared in captivity during 1978-1981. Data were obtained from 18 litters (113 young), including 8 litters born to females caught pregnant in the field and 10 litters born to females that mated in the laboratory. Data on the reproduction were collected. Copulation is described, and the duration of pregnancy (19-21 days) and lactation (38-40 days) is determined.