Reproductive Biology and Behavior of Tree Kangaroos in Zoos

Abstract Until the early 1980s, much of the knowledge on behavior and reproduction of tree kangaroos was limited and was based on anecdotal reports. Since 1985 there has been more emphasis placed on research and data collection. Initially, research focused on Matschie's tree kangaroos (Dendrolagus matschiei), with recent additional data collection being conducted on Goodfellow's (D. goodfellowi) and Lumholtz (D. lumholtzi) tree kangaroos. Identifying baseline behavior is key to interpreting the difference between normal and abnormal behavior not only for an individual animal but also the species as a whole. Reproductive behavior in combination with well-established biological parameters for estrous cycles, gestation, parturition and rearing of young have been well studied and documented for Matschie’s, Goodfellow's and Lumholtz's over the past two decades. The study of reproductive biology and behavior through observations, continued data collection and fecal steroid assays continues to be a major contributor to the success of populations.