Reproduction of the spectacled hare-wallaby, Lagorchestes conspicillatus Gould (Marsupialia: Macropodidae), in captivity, with age estimation of the pouch young

Abstract

Lagorchestes conspicillatus has a widespread distribution across northern Australia. Observations were made on reproduction in captive animals and a key produced for age determination of pouch young. Females commence breeding at about one year of age and males when slightly older. Reproduction in this species involved an oestrous cycle of 30 days, a gestation period of 29-31 days and a mean pouch life of 152 days. A postpartum oestrus and mating following a birth was the normal pattern of reproduction.