Microhabitat selection in two Chilean cricetid rodents

Abstract

A discriminant analysis on vegetational variables was performed in order to determine differences in habitat utilization by two sympatric Chilean rodents. Akodon olivaceus brachiotis is associated with vegetational variables that provide greater cover from above. Oryzomys longicaudatus philippii, on the other hand, is related with structural variables such as foliage density, which provide dense areas with thick understory that offer protection from a horizontal viewing. A clear relationship was found between shrub and herbaceous cover and length of species hindfoot.

Temporal and Spatial Host Abundance and Prevalence of Andes Hantavirus in Southern Argentina

“…In this sense, Pearson and Pearson (1982) suggest that O. longicaudatus prefer moist areas with abundant cover. Moreover, Lozada et al (2000) point out that this species responds to structural components of its environment on a small resolution scale, and Murú a and González (1982) suggest that O. longicaudatus selects microsites with high foliage density and thick understory because the foliage offer protection from the horizontal view of predators. Our results also could be a consequence of the methodological approach, because the removal trapping procedure used is considered an invasive technique that could alter the population structure (Kelt et al, 1994).…”

“…This rodent species has been captured in disturbed habitats (cultivated field borders and peridomestic settings), as well as in primary pastures, brushes, and forest areas in Argentina (Pearson, 1983(Pearson, , 2002Monjeau et al, 1998;Pardiñas et al, 2000Pardiñas et al, , 2003Piudo et al, 2005). Host population and pathogen prevalence may vary on local scales (Mills, 1999) and studies on O. longicaudatus habitat use in Chile indicate a substantial difference among habitat types (Murú a and González, 1982;González et al, 2000).…”

Modeling Potential Distribution of Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, the Andes Virus (Genus: Hantavirus) Reservoir, in Argentina

“…It is primarily distributed in humid and highly vegetated areas, such as woods and shrublands in Chile and southwestern Argentina where it is usually found in high abundances (Murú a and Gonzalez 1982;Pearson 1983;Larrieu et al 2003;Piudo et al 2005). However, it has also been captured in steppe and, in disturbed habitats such as borders of cultivated fields, peridomestic settings and pastures (Monjeau et al 1997;Pardiñas et al 2003;Piudo et al 2005Piudo et al , 2011Polop et al 2010).…”

Habitat selection of Williams’ Jerboa (Allactaga williamsi Thomas, 1897) in Ardabil Province, Iran

“…climate, and elevation are the main factors affecting rodent distribution in Turkey. The association of small rodents with vegetation variables that provide greater cover and more feeding items has also been shown in other studies (Murúa and González, 1982;Shenbrot, 2004). The positive correlation between the presence of Williams' Jerboa and some plant species such as Festuca ovina and Trifolium montanum may be related to their high nutritional value (for their crude protein content) (Ghanbari and Sahraei, 2012), but behavioral mechanisms in avoiding or using different vegetation structures should be considered.…”