Studies of Macropodidae in Queensland. 5. Effects of drought on reproduction in the grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus).

Abstract

Reproductive activity and survival of pouch young were studied in a population of the grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus Shaw) in the St. George district, southern Queensland, during a drought extending from September 1964 to December 1965. After 8 months of drought, reproductive activity virtually ceased and death of pouch young began to occur; reproduction did not return to normal until the drought broke. No young born between September 1964 and November 1965 survived the drought, and it is anticipated that for some years this will be reflected in population samples from this district.