The occurrence of abnormal sperm in the cauda epididymis of Rhinolophus capensis (Mammalia: Chiroptera)

The spermatozoa of Rhinolophus capensis are stored in the cauda epididymidis for about 10 months, 4 months prior to copulation and 6 months after copulation. Electron microscopy has shown the occurrence of sperm defects (mitochondrial proliferation, bending and coiling of the tail, and Dag defect) throughout the period of sperm storage. However, these defects are more common during the postcopulation period, when excess spermatozoa are being removed, suggesting that they may be associated with sperm degradation.