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Proceedings of the First Symposium on Marsupials in New Zealand

Abstract

Abstract

Seventy eight possums were individually marked and observed by dimmed spotlight in a pastoral habitat in Birdling's Valley on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand, between October 1972 and February 1974.

A distinct change occurred only in male behaviour at the beginning of the breeding season. Males made all the approaches during the breeding period. Females were initially antagonistic to males, but gradually became more tolerant. Promiscuity was not observed within a given breeding season and a short-term pair-bond was established. However, partners did change between breeding seasons.

Young first emerged from the pouch when about five months old but remained closely associated with their mothers until 8–9 months old. There was some evidence that young of both sexes dispersed when 11–12 months old.

Tracks were used communally and even the intensively used parts of both male and female ranges overlapped. It is possible that occupied den sites were defended and that an individual-distance system of spacing between animals, maintained by scent-marking, occurred. The type of social organisation found in possums is compared with that of other mammals.