Variation in Body Condition and Diet of The Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) During the Breeding Season.

Abstract

Body condition and diet of eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii) in southern Tasmania were quantified to investigate lactational strategies of a marsupial with medium-duration lactation and high reproductive output. There was no significant seasonal change in body condition, assessed using isotope dilution, or weight for either females or males. Further, body condition and weight of lactating females did not change with age of the pouch young, suggesting that female P. gunnii are able to cope with the energy demands of lactation without storing and utilising stored body fat. Analysis of faecal samples from April to October 1992 revealed a change of the frequency of occurrence of some prey items.