Patterns of Prey Consumption and Energy Use in a Small Carnivorous Marsupial, Antechinus-Stuartii

Abstract

The metabolic and water flux rates of free-living Antechinus stuartii were measured by means of doubly-labelled water. These data allowed rates of food consumption to be estimated on a seasonal and annual basis and variations in body fat reserves to be monitored. There were marked seasonal variations in energy and water use; the highest rates were found in lactating females during late spring, the lowest were recorded in males during the breeding season just prior to their deaths. These results are discussed with regard to the breeding pattern, and it is demonstrated that the existence of males in the population during spring could seriously constrain breeding success.