Extended sperm storage recorded in red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura) during a trial translocation to Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park, South Australia

We present a case of extended sperm storage in a female red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura) during a trial reintroduction in 2022. Parentage reported by single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping revealed the father of one litter had died approximately 50 days before the litter was born. The recorded gestation period for red-tailed phascogales is 28–32 days. Our record indicates sperm storage and/or diapause of up to 15–27 days, at least double the previously recorded sperm storage duration in this species.