BREEDING OF PHILANDER-FRENATA (DIDELPHIMORPHIA, DIDELPHIDAE) IN CAPTIVITY

Data on the reproductive biology and laboratory management of Philande r frenata are presented here. Sensory contact before pairing increased breeding success and reduced aggression between pairs. Gestation peri od was 13-14 days, with a post-lactation oestrous. Births occurred onl y between August and February. Mean litter size at birth and at weanin g was 5.5 (SD = 2.4) and 4.0 (SD = 1.9), respectively. Sex ratio at bi rth was statistically biased toward males. The timing of weaning was e stablished at between 70 and 80 days old, with the young weighing from 24 g to 49 g.