Breeding biology of three subspecies of the native Australian rat, Rattus fuscipes, in the laboratory.

Abstract

Three subspecies of Rattus fuscipes are compared in terms of certain aspects of their breeding biology in the laboratory. The three forms, R. f. fuscipes, R. f. greyii, and R. f. assimilis, not only readily interbreed (Horner and Taylor, 1965), but are markedly similar in most of the features studied. The greatest difference among them is in ovulation rate. In this regard both R. f. fuscipes and R. f. greyii are more productive than R. f assimilis. The possible significance of post-partum oestrus and delayed implantation is discussed in terms of seasonality in the major reproductive efforts of these subspecies in their natural environments.