Life-History of the Feathertail Glider, Acrobates-Pygmaeus (Acrobatidae, Marsupialia) in South-Eastern Australia

Abstract

Acrobates pygmaeus was captured in nestboxes in three areas of central and southern Victoria: the Gembrook-Cockatoo area and Nar Nar Goon North east of Melbourne, and Daylesford north-west of Melbourne. Breeding was strictly seasonal and females produced two litters between July and February each year. Males also showed seasonal fluctuation in testes sizes. Mean litter size was 3.5 at birth and 2.5 at weaning. Pouch life lasted 65 days and young were weaned at approximately 100 days of age. Growth was slow and maternal investment in each young was high, and continued after weaning. Most individuals matured in the season following their birth, but some males did not mature until the second season after their birth. Maximum field longevity was at least three years. Comparisons are made with other small diprotodont marsupials.