Synchrony and timing of breeding influences sexual segregation in western grey and red kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus and Macropus rufus)

Abstract

We examined whether synchrony and timing of breeding influenced magnitude and timing of sexual segregation in sympatric western grey kangaroos Macropus fuliginosus and red kangaroos M. rufus, at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, in south-eastern Australia. These species vary in the synchrony and timing of their mating activity: western grey kangaroos mate during a relatively synchronous period, predominantly during spring, while red kangaroos mate throughout the year. Surveys were conducted during autumn and spring 2000 to examine seasonal patterns of mating activity, group composition, spatial distribution, and habitat selection of adults of both species. Habitat selection was also examined by ..