Captive breeding of the sandhill dunnart, Sminthopsis psammophila (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae): reproduction, husbandry and growth and development
Cathy Lambert A D , Glen Gaikhorst A B and Phillip Matson A C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Perth Zoo, 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth, WA 6151, Australia.
B Present address: GHD Pty Ltd, 239 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, WA 6004, Australia.
C School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: cathy.lambert@perthzoo.wa.gov.au
Australian Mammalogy 33(1) 21-27 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM10004
Submitted: 28 January 2010 Accepted: 13 November 2010 Published: 23 March 2011
Abstract
Little is known of the reproductive biology of the endangered sandhill dunnart (Sminthopsis psammophila). This study demonstrates the first captive breeding of the species, defines several important reproductive parameters and documents morphological development of the young. The study confirmed field speculation that S. psammophila is a seasonal breeder and adopts a life-history strategy similar to that of other arid-zone Sminthopsinae. The average (range) interval from mating to birth is 18 (16–19) days.
Additional keywords: morphological development, reproductive biology.
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