Captive breeding of the sandhill dunnart, Sminthopsis psammophila (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae): reproduction, husbandry and growth and development

Abstract

Little is known of the reproductive biology of the endangered sandhill dunnart (Sminthopsis psammophila). This study demonstrates the first captive breeding of the species, defines several important reproductive parameters and documents morphological development of the young. The study confirmed field speculation that S. psammophila is a seasonal breeder and adopts a life-history strategy similar to that of other arid-zone Sminthopsinae. The average (range) interval from mating to birth is 18 (16–19) days.