The ecology of small rodents in tropical Africa

Delany, M. J.

doi:10.1111/j.1365-2907.1972.tb00155.x

Cited by 71 publications

(49 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…and 32 species for the whole altitudinal range, the region is very species-rich compared to other habitats in Uganda (DELANY 1971(DELANY , 1972. Comparable species richness was found in Congo (Kinshasa) by DIETERLEN (1967a), but his studies incorporated many cultivated areas, which are left out in this study.…”

Section: Significance Of Mt Elgon In Terms Of Conservationmentioning

confidence: 53%

Altitudinal distribution of rodents (Muridae and Gliridae) on Mt Elgon, Uganda

Clausnitzer

Kityo

2001

Tropical Zoology

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Small mammals were surveyed along a transect in Mt Elgon National Park, Uganda, at altitudes from 2900 to 4300 m a.s.l., with the main focus in the Afroalpine grasslands above 3500 m a.s.l. In this study, 13 species belonging to the Muridae were recorded, but only one species Lophuromys flavopunctatus Thomas 1888, occurred in all habitats. The highest species and individual numbers were found in richly structured vegetation in the Afro-alpine zone. Twenty-four species of Muridae and one Gliridae have been recorded from the Mt Elgon NP, Uganda (> 2000 m a.s.l.) so far, two more have been found on the Kenyan side and are likely to occur in Uganda. A total of 34 species of Muridae have been recorded on the whole range of Mt Elgon, two being endemic to the Afro-alpine zone, one listed as vulnerable and one as rare by the IUCN (LIDICKER 1985).The present distribution patterns and composition of the montane rodent communities are a result of different evolutionary histories mainly brought about by past changes in climate and vegetation. A number of montane rodents in Africa are relict forms, which declined due to habitat changes and competition from invading "modern" species.

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Section: Significance Of Mt Elgon In Terms Of Conservationmentioning

confidence: 53%

Altitudinal distribution of rodents (Muridae and Gliridae) on Mt Elgon, Uganda

Clausnitzer

Kityo

2001

Tropical Zoology

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“…This implies that all males caught during the study were mature although relatively young males weighed less than relatively old males. We also found that all reproductive Several authors suggest that rainfall, and the related increase in primary productivity and ultimately increase in food quantity and quality, is the primary cause for seasonal reproduction in many tropical and sub-tropical rodents (Delany, 1972;Neal, 1986;Perrin, 1986). In southern Africa, a relationship between seasonal rainfall and reproduction has been observed in the bushveld gerbil (Gerbilliscus leucogaster) (Perrin and Swanepoel, 1987), the Namaqua rock mouse (Micaelamys namaquensis (formerly Aethomys namaquensis; Skinner and Chimimba, 2005)) (Muteka et al, 2006b) and the Tete veld rat (Aethomys ineptus) (Muteka et al, 2006a).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 78%

“…Many tropical but also sub-tropical regions experience considerable changes in rainfall throughout the year with one or two rainy seasons interrupted by partially severe dry periods (e.g., Africa; Nicholson, 1993). This rainfall leads to an increase in primary productivity and consequently higher food quantity and quality compared to the dry season and this relationship of rainfall and increased primary productivity has been suggested to be the ultimate factor regulating reproduction in such regions (Delany, 1972;Neal, 1986;Perrin, 1986). In contrast, ambient temperature appears to be a more important factor at temperate latitudes (Bronson, 1985;Nelson et al, 1989).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seasonal changes in reproductive development in male spiny mice (Acomys spinosissimus) from South Africa

2012

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Seasonal reproduction is a common characteristic of many small mammals which inhabit seasonal environments in temperate regions, the sub-tropics as well as the tropics. It is important for an animal to reproduce during the most favourable time of the year to ensure the survival of the young and maximize reproductive success. In southern Africa, female spiny mice (Acomys spinosissimus) breed during the warm and wet spring and summer months, whereas the reproductive pattern of males is unknown although an opportunistic breeding pattern has been implicated. We investigated testes mass and volume, seminiferous tubule diameter, spermatogenesis and plasma testosterone concentrations in a South African population of male spiny mice on a 2-monthly basis over one year. Testes mass and volume started to increase in July/August and was high from September until December. Seminiferous tubule diameter and spermatogenesis increased during the same months. Plasma testosterone concentration was elevated from July/August to November/December. Development of the reproductive characteristics of male spiny mice was correlated with high rainfall and high ambient temperatures, but reproductive development had already started during the dry season and the coldest months. This shows that reproductive development in males may not be dependent on climatic conditions, and other factors, such as photoperiod, may trigger the onset of reproduction. The data, however, suggest that A. spinosissimus is a true seasonal breeder with reproduction confined to the spring and summer months in southern Africa.

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“…Outbreaks of large numbers of this species have been reported in many localities in sub-Saharan Africa (Leirs 1994;Leirs et al 1996;Leirs 2003;Taylor 1968;Harris 1937), which can be attributed to the intrinsic biological characteristics of the species and prevailing environmental factors. Studies in Tanzania and elsewhere in Eastern Africa suggest that large litter size (average 11-13 young/litter), several litters per season, increased survival and quick maturation are some of the demographic factors that favour high population turnover of M. natalensis within a short period (Cheeseman and Delany 1979;Delany 1972;Delany 1974;Leirs 1992;Telford 1989, etc). Favourable rainfall (both amount and duration) promote abundant primary productivity of particularly nutritious seeds and vegetation cover, which enable natural habitats to maintain large numbers of the species (Leirs 1992, Delany 1972.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reproduction and population dynamics of Mastomys natalensis Smith, 1834 in an agricultural landscape in the Western Usambara Mountains, Tanzania

Makundi

Massawe

Mulungu

2007

Integrative Zoology

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The multimammate rat, Mastomys natalensis Smith 1834, is a dominant species in agro-ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa, but adapts quickly to changes in non-agricultural landscape, particularly woodlands and forests. In this study we report on reproduction and population dynamics of M. natalensis in deforested high elevation localities in the Usambara Mountains, north-east Tanzania. We conducted Capture-Mark-Recapture studies in [2002][2003][2004], and established that reproduction of M. natalensis takes place in the extended wet season between February and June, and the population density peaks in June-August. Reproduction cease in July to January and population density drops from July onwards. Reproduction and population density fluctuations are linked to the duration and amount of rainfall. In years when rainfall was below average and the wet season was short, the population density was significantly lower (below 10 animals/ha and 60 animals/ha in 2003 and 2004 respectively, compared to >100 animals/ha in 2002 when rainfall was above the seasonal average) (F df 2, 13 = 9.092, p<0.01 for in between years variations and F df 12, 15 = 5.389, p<0.01 for effect of cumulative annual rainfall on population density). These densities were much lower than in the lowland savannah habitats in central and southwest Tanzania. A comparison between the farmland/fallow mosaic fields and agro-forestry areas showed higher population densities in the former, which have similarities to the preferred habitats in the lowland savannahs. The increasing abundance of M. natalensis in the Usambara could have some consequences: M. natalensis is major pest and is involved in the plague cycle in the western Usambara Mountains. Mastomys natalensis is also a strong competitor and the impact on endemic rodent species, e.g. Lophuromys flavopunctatus and Praomys delectorum is unknown.

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The ecology of small rodents in tropical Africa

Cited by 71 publications

References 60 publications

Altitudinal distribution of rodents (Muridae and Gliridae) on Mt Elgon, Uganda

Altitudinal distribution of rodents (Muridae and Gliridae) on Mt Elgon, Uganda

Seasonal changes in reproductive development in male spiny mice (Acomys spinosissimus) from South Africa

Reproduction and population dynamics of Mastomys natalensis Smith, 1834 in an agricultural landscape in the Western Usambara Mountains, Tanzania

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