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Rodent species and their seasonal variations in Arusha, Northern Tanzania

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Abstract

A preliminary study was conducted at two areas in Arusha from July 1982 to December 1987 to assess the rodent species present and to determine their seasonal population trends at TPRI compound and at Selian Wheat Farm. The rodents were caught by using live and snap traps. Nine rodent species were captured and identified. Among themMastomys natalensis was dominant followed byArvicanthis spp. and shrews. There was a grater number ofM. natalensis at Selian wheat farm than at the TPRI compound (p<0.05). The rodent population density increased after the onset of short rains. This change is interpreted to be due to variations in food supply and plant cover.

Zusammenfassung

In den Jahren 1982–1987 wurden insgesamt 2614 Kleinsäuger auf zwei verschiedenen Versuchsflächen in Arusha, Tanzania, gefangen. Eine Fläche (TPRI compound) war von zahlreichen verschiedenen Wild-und Kulturpflanzen bedeckt. Hier war die nagetierabundanz insgesamt geringer, die Artendiversität jedoch beträchtlich größer als auf der kultivierten Ackerfläche (Selian Wheat Farm), die nur von Getreide und Mais bedeckt war. Die VielzitzenratteMastomys natalensis dominierte auf beiden Flächen während der gesamten Beobachtungsdauer. Die Fluktuation der Kleinsäugerdichte war mit den Niederschlägen in diesem Gebiet korreliert.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tropical Pesticides Research Institute (TPRI), P. O. Box 3024, Arusba, Tanzania

    Florence T. Mununa

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  1. Florence T. Mununa
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Mununa, F.T. Rodent species and their seasonal variations in Arusha, Northern Tanzania. Anz. Schädlingskde., Pflanzenschutz, Umweltschutz 69, 90–92 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01908438

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01908438

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