DIETS OF SMALL MAMMALS IN A SOUTHERN AFRICAN TEMPERATE FOREST

Abstract

ABSTRACT Diets of the five common small mammal species of the Karkloof Forest, Natal, South Africa, were investigated using stomach content analysis. Rhabdomys pumilio and Mastomys natalensis were omnivorous, though the latter showed a preference for invertebrates. Graphiurus murinus and Myosorex varius were predominantly insectivorous but ate some plant material and fruits. Grammomys dolichurus fed primarily on fruits and plant material although they ate some invertebrates. Seasonal trends in body fat content and the timing of breeding activity of all these species were associated with changes in their diets. Mastomys natalensis ate fruits when these were available in winter, while R. pumilio, M. varius, and G. murinus showed no seasonal increase in fruit consumption. It is suggested that R. pumilio and M. natalensis obtain their energy for breeding primarily from invertebrates, green plant material and flowers. Only Grammomys dolichurus increased its fruit consumption in summer when availability was low...