Observations on the Behavior of the Marsupial Setonix brachyurus (Quoy and Gaimard) in an Enclosure

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Abstract
Observations on the behavior of the small macropod marsupial, Setonix brachyurus (Quoy and Gaimard), from Rottnest Island were made on five males and five females in an enclosure. S. brachyurus is nocturnal with peaks of activity at dusk and before dawn. the males were aggressive toward one another and became organized into a linear hierarchy with the dominant male sometimes holding a territory. All the animals showed localization in their movements probably homologous with the home range behavior of free-living forms. There was little evidence suggesting a hierarchy among the females. Observed behavior patterns are described, including aggressive and non-aggressive interactions, sexual and sleeping behavior and patterns of competition and utilization of food resources. Comparison is made with the behavior of free-living animals where possible.

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