The Waltz of Greeding Seasons
Nature is a stage where mating seasons play a crucial role in the survival of species. However, when these same species find themselves in an environment where various factors are controlled, such as in a zoo, reproductive dynamics can change. Get ready to discover a world where nature and science meet to ensure the continuity of species.
A moment of tenderness captured on the spot!
Recently, a pair of visitors shared a snapshot of our two red pandas, literally caught in the act! It was the first observation of mating between our two little red-furred residents—a photographic proof that chemistry is indeed at play. And who knows, a new generation of red pandas might be on the way—fingers crossed!
The red panda is one of the rare mammals at the Zoo whose breeding season in captivity aligns with what is observed in the wild.
While often associated with spring in the Northern Hemisphere, this prelude to births does not follow a universal rule that suits all species. Many factors come into play and dictate these intimate moments. Here’s when and why animals choose to have babies!
Photo Credit : Marc Dalpé
Seasonal reproduction
Some animal species only mate successfully during specific times of the year, often guided by day length. This is the case for the red panda, whose mating season runs from January to March.
This strategy maximizes the survival chances of the young by synchronizing births with favorable conditions, such as mild temperatures and abundant food.
During this specific period, sexual interest and reproductive behaviors are expressed and accepted by both partners.
In seasonally reproductive females, estrous cycles only occur when they are ready and receptive to mating.
The rest of the year, they are in an anestrus phase, marked by the absence of a sexual cycle.
Opportunistic Reproduction
Opportunistic breeders, also known as flexible breeders, mate as soon as their environment becomes favorable.
Unlike species that synchronize reproduction with day length, these animals respond to more immediate signals, such as rainfall, a sudden abundance of food, or temperature changes.
The availability of suitable breeding sites also plays a key role, as these may only appear after heavy rains, for example. This is the case for many frog species.
These breeders differ from seasonal species, whose reproductive cycle is directly influenced by photoperiod, and from continuous breeders, like humans, who can mate year-round.
Continuous Reproduction and Animals in Zoos
“Continuous breeders” can mate and reproduce at any time of the year. This group includes humans and great apes, such as bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and gibbons, which can give birth without being limited to a specific season.
For these species, resource availability or waiting for favorable conditions is generally not an issue.
This is similar to the environment recreated in zoos, which can sometimes blur natural strategies. Here, there’s no need to wait for the rainy season, the end of the Antarctic winter, or the passage of migratory prey.
Many opportunistic breeders can thus become continuous breeders if given the chance! This is true for many feline species, including the African lion.
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In zoos, births must therefore be controlled, taking into account available space, individual genetics, and the representation of the species across all accredited institutions.
The goal is to avoid overpopulation or, conversely, having too few individuals to maintain a healthy population.
The Species Survival Plan (SSP) is one of the tools implemented to monitor animal populations in accredited zoological facilities, usually for species with a precarious status in the wild. The organization tracks the genetics of animals under our care and makes breeding recommendations between compatible individuals.
If Crimson and Maple have received the SSP’s green light, all hopes for reproduction now rest on them.
Because if there’s one thing we cannot control and that remains a mystery, it’s the attraction between individuals.
For pandas, the connection between partners primarily involves olfactory markers. With Maple, has the lovely Crimson found the right scent? Only time will tell!
