[Annual lipid cycle of the grassland Varanian lizard]

The circannual chronobiology of Varanus exanthematicus exanthematicus Bosc, lacertilian reptile of Senegal, is characterized by a period of rest from January to June (dry season) and a period of activity from July to December (wet season). The study of the lipids metabolism shows a two month deplacement period: as a matter of fact from November to April the lipogenesis prevails, while from May to October it is the lipolysis. These two phases correspond to the periodicity of the development of the gonads, which are at rest from November to April and in activity from May to October. The synchronism of the phases of lipolysis and of gonads muturation argues in favour of the lipids utilization for the growth of the gonads.