Early onset of reproduction in the agile antechinus, Antechinus agilis.

The article discusses the incidence of early breeding in Antechinus agilis in far east Gippsland, Victoria, comparing its timing of breeding with the timing at other locations in Victoria, and noting the ecological implications and management significance of early reproduction. The authors report on captures on the first three occasions, and on observations made upon capture of lactating females, including animals with pouch young. The study revealed that the timing of breeding of A. agilis in east Gippsland is not unusually early when compared to other populations in Victoria. With breeding occurring relatively early in the study site, the authors examine three possible explanations including it being a result of reproductive staggering with the A. swainsonii.