Observations on the oestrous cycle and breeding season of the Chestnut Dunnart Sminthopsis archeri, a little known dasyurid marsupial.

Abstract

Only 31 specimens of Sminthopsis archeri have been studied. These have come from Papua New Guinea and Cape York, Australia. Females are seasonally polyoestrous. Oestrous cycles in captive females are characterized by an increase body weight until just before ovulation. Changes in pouch condition are described. Eight nipples are usual.