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Home-range size and territoriality in Bolomys lasiurus (Rodentia: Muridae) in an Amazonian savanna

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

William E. Magnusson ,
Angelo De Lima Francisco  and
Tania M. Sanaiotti
William E. Magnusson
Affiliation:
Departamento de Ecologia, Institute Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Caixa Postal 478, 69011–970 Manaus AM, Brasil
Angelo De Lima Francisco
Affiliation:
Departamento de Ecologia, Institute Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Caixa Postal 478, 69011–970 Manaus AM, Brasil
Tania M. Sanaiotti
Affiliation:
Departamento de Ecologia, Institute Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Caixa Postal 478, 69011–970 Manaus AM, Brasil
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Abstract

Bolomys lasiurus is the only species of rodent commonly found in the savanna of Alter do Chão, central Amazonia. Peak densities during 42 months were less than have been reported from the cerrado biome of central Brazil. However, the population at Alter do Chão appears to be more stable than those in other areas and we never recorded zero densities. Many animals were captured over periods greater than 7 months, indicating that either mortality or dispersal was less than in previous studies. Mean home-range size of females was inversely related to the proportion of females that were gravid or lactating. Female home ranges were mutually exclusive and averaged 35% (SD = 8.2%) of male home ranges. Male home ranges overlapped extensively. Indices of home-range size varied seasonally and among years.

Keywords

behaviourmammalsexpopulation dynamics
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 11 , Issue 2 , May 1995 , pp. 179 - 188
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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