The Number of Young Present in Sequential Litters of the Marsupial Bandicoot, Isoodon macrourus, in Captivity

Abstract

Twenty adult female bandicoots, Isoodon macrourus, housed in outside enclosures, were examined weekly and the number, sex and teat position of young were recorded throughout 1982. Thirty-nine litters were monitored throughout lactation. The number of young declined from 107 early in lactation to 73 at weaning. Loss of young from the pouch (n = 19) was more pronounced during the colder months of the year. This reduction in litter size may enable the bandicoots to produce some young in unfavourable conditions and thus extend their breeding season.