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Article << Previous     |     Next >>   Contents Vol 54(4)

Faecal steroid analysis and urinary cytology of the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis)

Carly Woodd A B C, Natasha A. Czarny B, Ian M. G. Gunn B, Wayne Sturrock A

A School of Applied Sciences and Engineering, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Vic. 3199, Australia.
B AGSRCA, Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton campus, Clayton, Vic. 3800, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: carly.woodd@med.monash.edu.au
 
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Abstract

Non-invasive techniques were used to investigate the reproductive biology of captive squirrel gliders (Petaurus norfolcensis) for 3 months during the breeding season. The squirrel glider is a medium-sized marsupial glider of eastern Australia and is currently listed as a threatened species as a result of habitat destruction and fragmentation. Urinary cytology was used to determine the timing of oestrus, and the presence of sperm confirmed mating. Progesterone and oestradiol-17β were identified in faecal samples via thin-layer chromatography, and were used to characterise the reproductive cycle. Reproductive activity was observed in three of four females, with births occurring during June and July. A preoestrus increase in faecal oestradiol-17β was detected in a single female, whilst significant increases occurred post partum (±2 days) in two of four females, suggesting that the squirrel glider may undergo a postpartum oestrus. Faecal progesterone profiles showed low concentrations before oestrus and significantly elevated concentrations after oestrus, which were maintained throughout pregnancy. Parturition coincided with a decrease in progesterone concentrations (±1 day). This study successfully used non-invasive monitoring of urinary cytology and faecal steroids to define luteal and gestational length as 16–17 days, a previously unpublished detail.

   
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