Reproductive Patterns of Captive Lesser Bandicoot Rat (Bandicota Bengalensis Gray) in the Punjab

Abstract

Development of the lesser bandicoot rats was studied under caged conditions. Early development of both sexes was similar. Walking started (14 days) at about the time sensory organs became functional. Body weight in males continued to increase for about 9 months. After about 5 months, weights of females fluctuated with pregnancies. Sexual maturity was attained by 60 days in females, slightly earlier in males (51 days). A female might produce 9 litters annually; mean litter size was 5.4 Sex ratio was 41% males.