Effect of environmental factors on the abundance variations of two native rodents in agricultural systems of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract

Our aim was to assess the effect of environmental factors on short temporal abundance variations of the two most abundant native rodents of agricultural agroecosystems, Akodon azarae and Calomys laucha. We conducted a 3-year longitudinal sampling of rodents, and recorded meteorological data such as temperature and precipitation, predation rate by Leopardus geoffroyi, Tyto furcata and Athene cunicularia, vegetation cover and height, characteristics of cropfields and their borders. The effect of these factors on rodent abundance was evaluated through generalized linear mixed models. Abundance variations of both rodent species were explained by characteristics of both cropfields and their borders. At the studied temporal scale, meteorological variables did not have a direct effect on abundance variations, but probably influenced through vegetation characteristics and were expressed in seasonal variations. For A. azarae there was also an effect of predation by L. geoffroyi (positive) and T. furcata (negative), while predation by A. cunicularia did not contribute to explain abundance variations of any species.

Factors influencing the distribution and abundance of small rodent pest species in agricultural landscapes in Eastern Uganda

“…We attribute our results to two key components: food (both quality and quantity) and suitable habitats in terms of ground cover. The latter provides the animals with more shelter which may reduce predation risk and thus increase survival and abundance (Kotler 1984, Adler 1995, Shanker 2001, Jacob 2003, Gheler-Costa et al 2012, Guidobono et al 2018.…”

Spatiotemporal Variation of Small Mammal Communities in Commercial Orchards across the Small Country

“…Temporal and spatial variability is inherently characteristic to all mammals, including small mammals, and their communities [1][2][3][4]. Climate and availability of food are two general factors that influence the abundance of animals [5], with habitat being a third one [6].…”