Effects of temperature on testicular cycle of wild birds Black headed munia and Spotted munia

A long term investigation was made on the effects of temperature in the reproduction of tropical wild birds, Black headed munia, Munia malacca and Spotted munia, Lonchura punctulata. In Spotted munia delayed gonadal development as well as regression were observed in 12 degrees C treated group. In 20 degrees C treated birds the testicular volume was significantly less in the month of September and October and was significantly more in November compared to the corresponding control values. In 27 degrees C treated birds delay in testicular development was observed. In Black headed munia delayed gonadal development and regression was observed in 12 degrees C and 20 degrees C treated groups. But maximum gonadal development Delayed regression was also noticed in 20 degrees C group. In 27 degrees C treated group an inhibition of the testicular development was noticed during progressive phase (September). Present findings suggest that neither temperature nor continuous illumination could alter the circannual nature of testicular cycle in spotted munia indicating that temperature acts only as supplementary factor in the reproduction of these two bird models. We further suggest that temperature effects are mediated through changes in thyroxine levels.