Early onset of reproduction in the agile antechinus, Antechinus agilis

Abstract

Ovulation in the agile antechinus, Antechinus agilis, usually occurs when the rate of change of photoperiod in spring is increasing at 127–137 s day–1. We report responses to a much slower rate of change of photoperiod in a population in far east Gippsland, Victoria, and discuss the ecological consequences and management significance of early breeding.