The Reproductive Cycle in the Marsupial Dasyurus viverrinus

Abstract

In recent years a great deal of attention has been paid to the reproductive processes in the Mammalia, and in particular to the phenomena connected with the œstral cycle. Observations relating to the latter, however, have been almost entirely based on Eutherian mammals, and, indeed, largely on Primates (Heape (8, 9, 10), Van Herwerden (12), Hitschmann and Adler (15), and others) and various domesticated or semi-domesticated Eutheria (e.g. sheep (16), dog (19), ferret (17), Marshall). Having at our disposal a large volume of records relating to the -breeding habits of Dasyurus, as well as an abundant supply of material, we have thought that an inquiry into the reproductive cycle in this member of the Marsupialia (in many respects a more primitive group than the Eutheria), might not only be of interest, but might, perchance, throw light on some of the problems relating to the Eutherian œstrous cycle which still await solution. We venture to hope that the account of the reproductive cycle which we are now able to present will be found to fulfil, in some measure, expectations in this latter regard.