Reproduction in the northern bettong, Bettongia tropica Wakefield (Marsupialia: Potoroidae), in captivity, with age estimation and development of pouch young

Abstract

Reproduction in the northern bettong, Bettongia tropica, was studied in captivity. B. tropica is capable of breeding throughout the year, and mating behaviour is similar to that reported for other Bettongia species. The length of the oestrous cycle was 21–23 days, and the period of gestation was 20–23 days. Birth was usually followed by an oestrus and mating, and a subsequent lactation-controlled embryonic diapause. The interval between loss of pouch young and birth was 19–20 days. Permanent emergence from the pouch occurred at 102–112 days, and young at foot were weaned at 166–185 days of age. Linear mixed-effects models were used to describe polynomial growth equations for age determination of pouch young using both head and pes length. The relationship between error in age prediction and each body measurement was also defined. Pes measurements provided the most accurate estimates of the age of pouch young.