REPRODUCTION IN THE FEMALE ANGOLAN FREE-TAILED BAT, TADARIDA (MOPS) CONDYLURA (MICROCHIROPTERA, MOLOSSIDAE), IN THE EASTERN TRANSVAAL, SOUTH-AFRICA

The reproductive pattern in the female Angolan free-tailed bat, Tadari da (Mops) condylura (A. Smith, 1833), was studied at two localities in the eastern Transvaal during the period 1988-1990. Reproduction in fe male T. condylura was seasonally polyoestrous. Females displayed a bim odal reproductive pattern, with reproductive activity extending from e arly September to early May, followed by reproductive quiescence from May to August. The interval between the two reproductive cycles was ma rked by a post-partum oestrus with adult females becoming pregnant one to three weeks after parturition while still nursing their young. Fem ales become sexually mature during their first year with some only und ergoing one pregnancy. Gestation and lactation periods were 85 days an d 50-60 days, respectively. Females displayed dextral dominance with r egard to the morphology and function of the ovary and uterus.