A population study of small rodents in a dry sub-humid grassland in Kenya
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Date
1985-08
Authors
Martin, G. H. G.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Abstract
Estimates were made of rodent longevity, population biomass and production in a dry sub-humid grassland area in Kenya, The results were based on a live-trapping study made over a 27-month period. During this time fourteen species of rodents and four species of insectivores were recorded from the area of the trapping grid. The most numerous species were Praomys natalensis, Mus triton, Mus minutoides and Lemniscomys striatus.
Breeding took place in both wet seasons, coinciding with peaks in rodent populations. Densities ranged from 6.6 ha-1 to 52.4 ha-1, and estimates of net annual production varied from 5485 g ha-1 year-1 to 7221 g ha-1 year-1. Rodent populations appear to turn over every six to nine months.
The results are discussed in relation to studies in other tropical grassland areas of Africa.
Description
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0266467400000298
Keywords
Ecology, grassland, Kenya, populations, rodents
Citation
Journal of Tropical Ecology / Volume 1 / Issue 03 / August 1985, pp 217-22