Timing of Reproduction in Carnivorous Marsupials

Reproduction in many carnivorous marsupials is seasonal; however the proximal cues for reproduction are known for a minority of species. Species from the genera 'Antechinus and Sminthopsis' appear to rely on photoperiodic change for timing of reproduction, with other environmental factors such as pheromones ('Antechinus') and rainfall ('Sminthopsis') of secondary importance. For most other carnivorous marsupials the proximal cues for reproduction have not been determined, although photoperiod is likely to be the major cue for reproductive timing. Unfortunately, almost nothing is known about reproductive activity for many carnivorous marsupials, especially those from South America, and only further studies can clarify how their reproductive life history is controlled, requiring significant further effort on the part of researchers.