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Australian Mammalogy Australian Mammalogy Society
Journal of the Australian Mammal Society
REVIEW

Variability in the seasonality of breeding by the common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula: its possible causes and management implications

Phil Cowan
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

Landcare Research, PO Box 69040, Lincoln 7640, New Zealand. Email: cowanp@landcareresearch.co.nz

Australian Mammalogy 36(2) 131-136 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM14017
Submitted: 30 June 2014  Accepted: 23 July 2014   Published: 13 August 2014

Abstract

Across its native range in Australia and its introduced range in New Zealand the common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, demonstrates significant flexibility in reproduction from breeding once a year in autumn, breeding in both autumn and spring, or breeding year round. Understanding variation in the seasonality of breeding has relevance to the management of possum populations for both management as a pest and their conservation. The success of possums as a colonising species in New Zealand has been attributed in part to their flexible breeding behaviour. Review of available evidence suggests that photoperiod and food quantity/quality influence the variation in seasonality of breeding and their effects are modulated by interactions with factors such as density, body weight and, possibly, genetics and plant secondary compounds. Future research is suggested to tease apart the relative contributions of these various factors to the observed variation.


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