Studies of macropodidae in Queensland. 9. Reproduction of the rufous rat-kangaroo (Aepyrymnus rufescens (Gray) in captivity with age estimation of pouch young.

Abstract

A study of the rufous rat-kangaroo (Aepyprymnus rufescens (Gray)) was undertaken using wild-trapped animals as the nucleus of an enclosure colony. Growth and development of the pouch young were followed from birth to eviction from the pouch. The gestation period was 22 · 0 to 23 · 6 days and the oestrous cycle was 21·0 to 25·0 days with a post-partum mating usually following birth; the resultant quiescent embryo developed and was born after 18·0 to 20·8 days if the pouch young was prematurely removed. The pouch life is approximately 4 months and both sexes are sexually mature at 12 months; breeding continues throughout the year.