Notes on Holochilus Sciureus in British Guiana

Abstract

Holochilus sciureus is found primarily in the Amazon drainage but the race berbicensis is found in the savannahs of British Guiana. Its natural food is the stalks and seeds of savannah grasses but where sugar cane is grown it feeds extensively on it. The nests are normally found 4 or 5 feet off the ground in the sugar cane fields. Nests are also built on the ground and in trash heaps The average litter size was 3.47 (2–5) based on 30 litters. Reproduction may take place throughout the year. The population densities fluctuate widely from year to year but there is no evidence to suggest that these fluctuations are cyclic.