Early onset of reproduction in the agile antechinus, Antechinus agilis
A. J. Buckmaster A B C and C. R. Dickman A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Institute of Wildlife Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
B Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: anthony.buckmaster@canberra.edu.au
Australian Mammalogy 35(1) 115-118 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM11046
Submitted: 14 December 2011 Accepted: 29 February 2012 Published: 26 October 2012
Abstract
Ovulation in the agile antechinus, Antechinus agilis, usually occurs when the rate of change of photoperiod in spring is increasing at 127–137 s day–1. We report responses to a much slower rate of change of photoperiod in a population in far east Gippsland, Victoria, and discuss the ecological consequences and management significance of early breeding.
Additional keywords: oestrus, photoperiod, Victoria.
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