Breeding Biology of the White-Tailed Prairie Dog, Cynomys leucurus, in Wyoming

Abstract

Cynomys leucurus males emerged from hibernation in early March, 2 to 3 weeks before females on the Laramie Plains, Wyoming. Male reproductive structures were well developed at this time with spermatids being the most advanced spermatogenic stage present in seminiferous tubules. Mature spermatogonia were abundant in seminiferous tubules within 2 weeks following emergence, at which time testes were at peak development. Copulation occurred in late March and early April, when male accessory sex glands were exhibiting peak activity and the testes were in the process of regression.