Behavioural Studies on Some Rhodesian Rodents

Abstract

Field studies (Lake Kariba shoreline and Salisbury) and experiments with a captive colony of 12 species of Rhodesian rodents were undertaken for a period of three years. Comparative behavioural data are presented here with special reference to den and nest behaviour, group and territorial behaviour, reproductive and juvenile behaviour, and activity pattern. No species was found to be truly gregarious except Dendromus mesomelas, but Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis, Lemniscomys griselda, Tatera leucogaster, and Aethomys chrysophilus were found to tolerate crowded conditions in captivity. Nipple dragging of young was found in both species of Aethomys and in Acomys, with the remainder observed to utilise mouth carrying behaviour. It was noted that especially in Rhabdomys and Praomys (Mastomysj, and also in Lemniscomys, young have a strong tendency to scatter in all directions from a disturbed nest, even before their eyes open. The significance of nipple dragging, scattering and crowding behaviour and correlation to survival and tendency to irrupt are discussed. All species were found to be nocturnal (usually with irregular sub cycles of activity) except Rhabdomys (largely diurnal), Lemniscomys (diurnal/crepuscular) and Otomys (nocturnal/crepuscular).