Captive reproduction in Heermann's kangaroo rat,Dipodomys heermanni

This paper summarizes 8 years of captive breeding experience with the endangered Morro Bay kangaroo rat (Dipodomys heermanni morroensis) and the non-endangered Lompoc kangaroo rat (D. h. arenae), a related form used as a surrogate. Kangaroo rats are aggressive and must be caged individually; copulation can only take place when the female is in estrus. The estrous cyle varies, but is usually 14–17 days long; gestation averages 31 days. Data on development of the young, animal health, mortality, and longevity are presented. The productivity of this project is compared with that of another long-term kangaroo rat breeding project in terms of the number of young produced per female per year. A captive breeding program can be initiated with 40–50 reproductive animals as a founder group.