Reproduction in Male Ningaui (Marsupialia, Dasyuridae)

Abstract

'Stages in the spermatogenic cycle of Ningaui ridei, N. yvonneae and N. timealeyi are defined and the phenology of these stages is presented. In males of Ningaui spp. sexual maturity is reached in the first year, such that after the end of July of each year almost all male Ningaui spp. are considered reproductively mature. Male Ningaui spp. in the active spermatogenic phase are found during the entire season of births (August-January in N. ridei and N. timealeyi but perhaps terminating earlier in N. yvonneae); testes regress to an immature spermatogenic stage after January. There is no indication that in the field adult males die immediately following mating.