The Development of Thermoregulation and the Emergence from the Pouch of the Marsupial Bandicoot Isoodon macrourus

Rectal temperatures of the young bandicoot and the mother, and pouch temperatures of the mother, were monitored during the latter part of pouch life to ascertain whether temperature plays a role in determining when the young leave the pouch. There was no significant difference between the rectal temperatures (mean ± SEM) of adult males (36.80 ± 0.13 C), lactating females (36.76 ± 0.20 C), and young bandicoots in the pouch (36.30 ± 0.57 C from days 42-49, and 36.53 ± 0.28 C from days 50-61 of lactation). The pouch temperature of the lactating females was 36.67 ± 0.19 C and was not significantly different from the rectal temperature. The rectal temperature of young removed from the pouch decreased to 32.00 ± 0.69 C in young 42-49 days old and to 34.49 ± 0.41 C in young 50-61 days old. Young bandicoots leave the pouch permanently and are weaned on approximately day 58 of lactation. Near weaning, the young appear to prefer the safety of the pouch but are prevented from reentry by the mother. The results of this study suggest that temperature does not play a primary role in determining when the young bandicoot leaves the pouch.