Breeding, growth and development of captive Potorous longipes (Marsupialia: Potoroidae); and a comparison with P. tridactylus.

Abstract

A captive colony of Potorous longipes (one male, ti)ree females) was established at the Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary, Healesville, Victoria, in March 1980, with wild-caught animals from east Gippsland. By December 1986, 14 young (ten males, four females) had been born to this colony, all between June and December. Growth and development of the first three young were monitored approximately weekly, and these parameters are described and compared with those in P. tridactylus. Development is similar to that in P. tridactylus up to 13 - 14 weeks, beyond which hindfoot length exceeds head length and the tail becomes proportionally longer compared with P. tridactylus. Growth curves for several parameters are presented. Pouch life is between 140 and 150 days. Adult size (but not weight) is reached at about 36 weeks. However, P. longipes may not be sexually mature until two years of age or older.