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

• 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
• ISSN: 0266-4674; 1469-7831
• DOI: 10.1017/S0266467400000183

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.