Lunar-related reproductive behaviour in the badger (Meles meles) |
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Authors: | David R. Dixon Linda R. J. Dixon John D. Bishop Richard A. Pettifor |
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Affiliation: | (1) National Oceanography Centre, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, S014 3ZH, UK;(2) Marine Biological Association, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK;(3) School of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK;(4) Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK |
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Abstract: | Cyclicity in behaviours, including reproduction, in relation to the lunar cycle is widely documented in some phyla, but weak or unknown in Class Mammalia. In this paper we present long-term video surveillance data of wild Eurasian badgers Meles meles, which reveal a strong correlation between reproductive behaviour and the lunar cycle. Squat marking and raised-leg urination, which increase in frequency at times of reproductive activity, showed maxima around day 22 of the lunar cycle (i.e. new moon). These findings were supported by observations of matings, together with published records, which showed significantly higher occurrence in the lunar dark phase (last quarter to first quarter). We propose that the lunar cycle has the potential to act as a regulator of the reproductive cycle in the badger. |
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Keywords: | Eurasian badger Lunar cycle Reproductive behaviour |
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