Some Biological Aspects of the Great Bandicoot (Bandicota indica) Bechstein

Abstract

The great bandicotts, Bandicota indica used in the study were trapped from Nakhon Pathom Province. they were bred and maintained in the laboratory of the Agricultural Zoology group, Department of Agriculture. Data on reproduction, maturity, growth rate, development and longevity were recorded as part of a biological study of this species
The male bandicoots reached maturity as early as 120 days and up until 180 days of age. for the females the perforation of the vagina appeared at the age of 120 days to 150 days. estrus cycles were 8.0 +- 1.2 days on the letter size of 6.6 +- 2.9 youngs on average. The female could have 1 - 2 litters per year.
There is sexual dimorphism in this species. Males are bigger than females. Figures of correlation between age and body weight, head and body length, tail length, including ear length, are shown, for age determination. The longevity of the females varied from 1.5-2.7 years, while males could live as long as 2.5-3.3 years.