Movement and spatial distribution of the Nile rat (Arvicanthis niloticus) in Kenya

The movement and spatial distribution of marked Nile rats, Arvicanthis niloticus, was traced through phases of a low density population from January to August 1981, a rapidly growing population from September to January 1982, and a high and declining post-reproductive population from February to Apr...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of tropical ecology 1985-05, Vol.1 (2), p.111-130
Main Authors: Delany, M. J., Monro, R. H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult animals
Animal traps
Animals
Arvicanthis
Arvicanthis niloticus
distribution
Female animals
Grasses
Habitats
Kenya
Male animals
movement
Population density
Population growth
Rats
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The movement and spatial distribution of marked Nile rats, Arvicanthis niloticus, was traced through phases of a low density population from January to August 1981, a rapidly growing population from September to January 1982, and a high and declining post-reproductive population from February to April 1982. Apart from late in the population cycle there was considerable movement, interchange and establishment of new ranges. As the population increased individual ranges became smaller. The rats apparently preferred field edges and did not favour the fields themselves. Females frequently established themselves at certain sites where they produced their litters; some of the offspring remained with the mother in the warren. There is also evidence that ousiders of both sexes joined these warrens. Males were generally more wide-ranging than females. Agricultural practices, e.g. mowing and trampling by cattle, influenced the rats preparedness to remain within a particular location. Exploitation of all the available habitat took several months to achieve.
ISSN:0266-4674
1469-7831
DOI:10.1017/S0266467400000183