REGIONAL DIFFERENCES IN REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS OF THE SNOWSHOE HARE

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Abstract
Reproductive characteristics of the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) over its principal geographic range were summarised. The onset of breeding each spring was chronologically similar throughout a major portion of the species' range, although Alaska hares tended to be about 2 weeks later than those elsewhere. Mean litter size increased significantly from south to north, and studies with captive snowshoes demonstrated that such regional differences are genetically determined. Both the average number of litters, and the average number of young, per adult female per year were greatest at intermediate latitudes. It is suggested that regional differences in mean litter size reflect the general "fitness" of the breeding female and (or) her young relative to their particular environment, as governed by the physiological consequences of species adaptation and of reproduction.

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