Sadia Rehman; Mahmood-ul-Hassan; Anas Sarwar Qureshi & Zeeshan Akbar

SUMMARY: The present study was designed to determine the morphological and histological variations in the female palm squirrel’s reproductive organs which inhabit croplands of central Punjab. 16 specimens were collected from 3 different locations of Faisalabad district during different months in order to collect their ovaries samples in order to determine the breeding phenology of this species. Body weight and external body measurements were recorded. Two adult females were autopsied each month and their ovaries were extracted. Tissue were prepared by the tissue paraffin technique and stained by H&E. Seasonal variations in the follicular size and shape were observed. Statistical analysis revealed that values of all parameters of ovaries were significantly (P<0.01) higher during peak folliculogenic phase (January to May) as compared to low folliculogenic phase (November–December). Three reproductive phases were observed according to follicular development i.e., quiescent period (November- December), recrudescence period (January) and peak reproductive phase (February–March). In conclusion of this study, different phases of sexual activities are determined which are controlled by seasonal variations. These variations are in accordance to different physical factors which influences gross anatomical and histological changes of ovaries and folliculogensis of female five-striped northern palm squirrel (Funambulus pennanti) for adjustments in breeding phenology.

KEY WORDS: Squirrels; Folliculogenesis; Ovaries; Season.

REHMAN, S.; MAHMOOD-UL-HASSAN; QURESHI, A. S. & AKBAR, Z. Effects of natural environmental conditions on the ovarian histometric dynamics of five striped squirrels (Funambulus pennanti). Int. J. Morphol., 34(1):262-267, 2016.