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Reproductive biology of the Tasmanian Bettong ( Bettongia gaimardi : Macropodidae)
Author(s) -
Rose R. W.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1987.tb05114.x
Subject(s) - biology , reproductive biology , diapause , pouch , marsupial , zoology , estrous cycle , gestation , pregnancy , ecology , larva , lactation , anatomy , genetics
The reproductive biology of the Tasmanian Bettong ( Bettongia gaimardi ) conforms in many respects to that found in related kangaroos. Gestation and the oestrous cycle are of similar duration (21–22 days), and a postpartum oestrus may result in the formation of a blastocyst that remains quiescent (embryonic diapause) throughout most of pouch life. Oestrous cycles including a gestation are shorter (by 1·5 days) than those cycles without a pregnancy. This ‘maternal recognition of pregnancy’ is extended into pouch life as the furred young always vacates the pouch when a new young is born. Pouch life is relatively short (106 days) and, as the Bettong breeds throughout the year, several young may be reared/year. Both males and females become mature before one year.