Ansli.
I assume you found my post of Oct. 9, 2005.

Courtship and couple generally occur during the months of April and May. Under captive conditions, one can advance all stages of reproduction by bringing captive specimen out of brumation early (Feb) and having reproductive activities begin late that month or in March.

No one know how long the species remains reproductive age wise. But the Raab female produce a litter at an age estimated to be well in excess of 50 years.

Do not know what you mean when you mention "---when the effects of ageing occur?" By her length at capture and physical appearance, the Raab female was considered to be quite old at the time of capture in 1971. She produced several litters after being captured.

Richard F. Hoyer