Comparison of Growth of Pouch Young of the Tasmanian Bettong, Bettongia-Gaimardi, in Captivity and in the Wild

Abstract

Growth of pouch young of Bettongia gaimardi was compared in laboratory and field populations. Up to a pes length of 8 cm, weights of field and laboratory young were similar. For larger young, weights for field animals were significantly less than for those raised in captivity. The two groups did not differ in rate of growth of pes or in skeletal proportions. Previous studies of macropodids have found that growth rates are reduced only during periods of severe environmental stress. In contrast, in field populations of B. gaimardi lower growth rates of pouch young appear to be the norm. Differences in the seasonality and availability of food supplies between B. gaimardi and other species so far studied may be responsible for this difference.