Relationship between feeding habits, climate and reproduction of small mammals in Meru National Park, Kenya

摘要: Summary The relationship between rainfall, temperature, diet, and breeding activity was investigated in Acomys percivali Dollman, A. wilsoni Thomas, Tatera nigricauda (Peters), Elaphantulus rufescens inhabiting a semi-arid region of central Kenya. Insects formed the major resource base all four species. There little variation food habits Elephantulus during year, but diets other three species showed predictable seasonal changes. were item dry seasons, seeds most frequently consumed month-long period after end rains. also significant increase consumption plant stem leaf material exhibited pronounced changes had pattern activity. The less no detectable However, dichotomy v. continuous associated with altricial precocial young, so results are equivocal. Other evidence suggests that inhibition season may be more related to temperature. Resume Les relations entre les chutes de pluie, la regimes alimentaires et activites reproduction (Peters) ont eteetudies dans une semi-aride du Les insectes forment des ressources pour toutes ces especes. II y peu variations le regime alimentaire au long l'annee mais celui trois autres especes presente saisonnieres previsibles. constituent nourriture principale durant saisons seches graines sont plus frequemment consommees longue periode apres fin pluies. manifeste changements saisonniers comportement d'activite reproductrice saisonniere. presentent moins saisonniere leur aucune decelable l'activite reproductrice. Cependant dichotomie continue ou est aussi associea jeunes tardifs precoces. resultats donc equivoques. Une autre suggere que l'inhibition saison seche peut etre davantage en relation avec l'augmentation temperature.