Squirrel Glider - Nswfmpa.org

10.12 Oestrous Cycle and Gestation PeriodSquirrel glider has a gestation period of 20 days. Oestrous cycle is not accurately known.(Jackson, M. Ed.2003). In the closely related Sugar glider (P. breviceps) the gestation period is16 days and the oestrous cycle 29 days. (Pasatta, J. 1999)10.13 Litter Size1 to 2 offspring per litter. The average litter size is 1.8 (Quinn 1995)10.14 Age at WeaningYoung are weaned at 4 months of age.10.15 Age of Removal from ParentsThe mean dispersal age for juvenile squirrel gliders was 12.5 months of age(Quinn1995)This dispersal is a result of adult aggression towards the juveniles. Dispersal is enforced to keepthe population at t correct carrying capacity. Females may show aggression to juveniles todisperse them early so a second litter can be produced.10.16 Growth and DevelopmentDevelopmental stages• Pouch or scrotum discernable: 12-20 days.• Eyes are open: 84-85 days.• Fur on muzzle: 27-34 days.• Fur on shoulders: 48-69 days.• Fully furred: 76 days.• Papillae of mystical vibrissae: 6-27 days.• Appearance of teeth:• First release teat: 48-82 days.• Partly out of pouch: 69 days• After emerging from the pouch the young will stay in the nest for a further 40-50 days.The mother glider and other female gliders of the group may come back to baby sit theyoung (Butler, S. 2005)• At the age of 110-120 days, the young begin to venture out and forage with their mother(Suckling 1995)• Sexual maturity: 12 months for both females and males.Measurements• Crown-rump length: 5 days = 13.5-14.2mm; 28 days = 26mm. (Smith, M.J.1979)• See table on page 38 for Growth equations, head lengths and weights of Squirrel gliders(Reproduced from Bach Carol, ed. 1998).Growth equations, head lengths and weights of Squirrel gliders. Reproduced from35