Population Surveys of the Ice Rat Otomys Sloggetti Robertsi in the Lesotho Drakensberg

摘要: Increasing environmental temperatures may lead to better survival of organisms that are usually susceptible low temperatures. We investigated whether the numbers ice rat Otomys sloggetti robertsi, whose populations regulated by temperatures, have increased in recent past as a consequence current warming Lesotho Drakensberg. Ice rats endemic southern African alpine zone, exclusively herbivorous, diurnal activity profile, and live underground burrows. predicted would remain stable or increase since winters become milder. monitored three locations, separated 70, 80 130 km. The results show population density has over threefold 352 per hectare decade. Our findings suggest higher could improved habitat productivity reduced thermal stress, thus winter rats.