Reproduction, Growth and Age Determinatipon in the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby Petrogale xanthopus Gray, in Captivity

Abstract

Yellow-footed rock-wallabies were studied in captivity over 13 years. Individuals of both sexes attained sexual maturity from age 18 months and were capable of breeding throughout the year. The ranges recorded were: for length of oestrous cycle 32-37 days; gestation 31-33 days; pouch life 190-201 days. Parturition was usually followed by an oestrus and mating with a consequent lactation-controlled embryonic quiescence. The mean interval from removal of pouch young to birth was 31.5 days, and to oestrus without an intervening birth, 34 days. Weight of the neonate within the 1st day was