Swimming ability of 5 species of african rainforest murid rodents in relation to their habitat preferences

摘要: The swimming abilities of 5 species rainforest rodents (Heimyscus fumosus (Brosset et al.), Hybomys univittatus (Peters), Hylomyscus stella (Thomas), Malacomys longipes Milne-Edwards, and Praomys cf. misonnei Van der Straeten Dieterlen) are described in order to discuss the relation between ability these escape flooding by swimming, their preference for upland or flooded forest habitats. exhibited a gradient abilities: 2 (H. H. fumosus) were poor swimmers; habitat generalists (P. cf stella) better swimmers but did not use underwater medium; which preferentially inhabits (M. longipes) could swim well on below water surface. These differences may be related resistance fur absorb water, tail hind foot lengths, either continuous intermittent among species.