The Honey Possum, Tarsipes spencerae (Marsupialia: Tarsipedidae): A non-seasonal breeder?

Abstract

Evidence that Tarsipes spencerae is a non-seasonal breeder has been obtained from a study of preserved specimens in the Western Australian Museum and males maintained in the laboratory. Examination of females with pouch young suggests that births occur throughout the year. Immature males have been collected throughout the year. No seasonal peaks in the size of the reproductive organs of adult males were found. It is suggested that the adult males may not all be fertile at the same time, and that the potential for breeding to occur throughout the year is related to food supply.