Breeding Biology and Current Status of the Grey Kangaroo, Macropus Fulginosus Fulginosus, of Kangaroo Island, South Australia.

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Abstract
A distinct large dark brown kangaroo 1st attracted the attention of Europeans during the early exploration of Kangaroo Island in 1802-03. Although specimens were collected and the kangaroo adequately described, its subsequent taxonomic history was confused, and its origin long held to be Tasmania. This fallacy was not corrected until 1923-24. Subsequently the kangaroo has been recognized as a subspecies of the western grey kangaroo. Reproduction and growth of the young were examined in both wild and captive kangaroos. Males and females became sexually mature from age 20 mo., the estrous cycle was 34.6 .+-. 3.2 (SD) days and the length of gestation 30.8 .+-. 1.8 days. Births occurred in all months of the year but were more frequent in summer. The pouch life was just over 300 days, while loss of such young usually resulted in return to estrus after an interval of 6.3 .+-. 0.1 days. Disparity in sex ratio of the young was not significant. During their 1st year, young were measured each week. Growth curves are presented and linear or quadratic regressions fitted where applicable, together with 95% confidence limits.

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