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Body condition threshold for breeding in a viviparous snake
1Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, F-79360, Villiers en Bois, France.
Oecologia
|March 18, 2017
Summary
A critical body condition threshold determines reproductive success in female Vipera aspis snakes. Snakes exceeding this threshold successfully initiated vitellogenesis, linking physiological reserves to reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Physiological Ecology
- Reproductive Biology
- Herpetology
Background:
- Life history traits are central to physiological ecology.
- Body condition and reproductive success are linked by physiological processes.
- Understanding these links is crucial for species conservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a body condition threshold for reproduction in Vipera aspis.
- To link physiological processes of body reserve storage to reproductive capability.
- To investigate the influence of initial body condition on reproductive outcome.
Main Methods:
- 129 free-ranging adult female Vipera aspis were electronically tagged and measured at the onset of vitellogenesis.
- Snakes were recaptured 2-6 months later to determine reproductive status.
- Body reserves were estimated using measurements and data from autopsied females.
Main Results:
- A precise body condition threshold for vitellogenesis induction was identified.
- 88% of females above the threshold initiated vitellogenesis, compared to 0% below.
- Reproductive females had larger body reserves, but non-reproductive females were not emaciated.
Conclusions:
- Initial body condition is a critical determinant of reproductive success in Vipera aspis.
- A specific threshold of body reserves is necessary for successful reproduction.
- This finding has implications for the reproductive ecology and conservation of this species.
