An ecological study of small rodents in the thicket-clump savanna of Lengwe National Park, Malawi

摘要: A community of small rodents was studied in thicket-clump and grassland savanna Lengwe National Park, Malawi, from September 1984 to June 1985. Nine species were recorded on a 1·1 ha grid five assessment lines, using capture-mark-release technique. The three commonest (and their percentage proportions) Mastomys natalensis (47%), Acomys spinosissimus (24%) Saccostomus campestris (11%). Population numbers the fluctuated from–30 individuals/ha, lines from–57 individuals. There two peaks population during year: first early wet season (when individuals emigrated dry refugia there limited reproduction) second mid young born at end entered trappable population). comprised mainly subadults late season, adults some seasons. survival rates low with only 30–50% surviving following month. magnitude fluctuations are related strong seasonality climate, flooding grass characteristics; this respect, mammals Park shows similarities those Kafue Valley Zambia Chobe Botswana.