Abstract
Developing a captive breeding system for the widely hunted Caribbean species of opossum Didelphis marsupialis insularis can greatly aide in the management and conservation of this species in the neo-tropics. Although this species possesses ideal traits for captive breeding in this region (tolerance to high heat and humidity, high reproductive rate, and resistance to disease), challenges due to its aggressive behaviour and limited information on its breeding behaviour have prevented a system from being developed for this species. The present study describes a breeding system, and the reproductive behaviour of this species under captive conditions. Six (1 male; 5 females) adult opossums were maintained and managed for breeding over a ten (10) month period. Pouch litter sizes averaged 5±2.5 with a range of 2 to 8. Gestation length was found to be 13.25±0.96 days and 4 litters (n=23) were successfully weaned at 11-13 weeks. It was found that the male D. m. insularis exhibits behaviours of interest that can serve as indicators for receptivity of the female, and overall, that this species can be successfully reared and bred under captive conditions in the neo-tropics.
Highlights
Given the increase in hunting pressure on wildlife in developing neo-tropical island nations, captive wildlife production systems have been experiencing increasing popularity in these regions (Brooks et al 2010; Bulte and Damania, 2005; Hoffman and Cawthorn, 2012; Nogueira and Nogueira-Filho, 2011)
The neo-tropical opossums’ high reproductive rate, ability to tolerate tropical climates and a wide, omnivorous diet has led it to being identified as an ideal candidate for captive animal breeding in the region (Tardieu et al, 2017)
This species poses special challenges that hinder the development of a captive breeding system, namely its aggressive nature and the lack of information available on its breeding behaviours
Summary
Given the increase in hunting pressure on wildlife in developing neo-tropical island nations, captive wildlife production systems have been experiencing increasing popularity in these regions (Brooks et al 2010; Bulte and Damania, 2005; Hoffman and Cawthorn, 2012; Nogueira and Nogueira-Filho, 2011). Non-domesticated species like the agouti/cutia (Dasyprocta leporina, Dasyprocta spp.) and the lappe (Cuniculus paca/Agouti paca) (Brown-Uddenberg et al, 2004), have all been successfully studied and bred under captive conditions using production systems These captive wildlife systems have proven to be effective at meeting their required objectives that include, serving as a conservation and population management tool and further functioning as a form of sustainable utilization of neo-tropical species in the region. The overall aim of this research was to trial a captive reproduction system for D. marsupialis insularis on the neo-tropical island of Trinidad and Tobago, and further to note the reproductive behaviours of this species under these conditions If successful, it could eventually serve as a useful conservation tool and further be used for animal production in the Caribbean region. The specific objectives of this study were (1) to develop and test a captive housing and management system for the breeding of D. m. insularis in the neo-tropics and (2) to document the reproductive parameters and behaviours of D. m. insularis in captivity
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