Age Estimation of the Tasmanian Bettong (Bettongia-Gaimardi) (Marsupialia, Potoroidae)

Abstract

This paper presents data on the increase in size from birth until maturity of the body parameters of head, foot and tail length as well as weight of the Tasmanian bettong, Bettongia gaimardi, a small macropodoid marsupial. Additional data are presented on changing body characteristics, particularly molar eruption and wear. The data presented allow estimation of the age of bettongs from birth to over three years. During pouch life, a quadratic equation based on head length was the most useful estimator of age; after pouch vacation, molar eruption sequences should be used.