Relationships between seasonal changes in diet of Multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis) and its breeding patterns in semi-arid areas in Tanzania

Emmanuel C M Mlyashimbi,Moses Isabirye,Herwig Leirs,Apia W Massawe,David Kifumba,Steven R Belmain,Joachim Mariën,Akwilin J P Tarimo,Mashaka E Mdangi,Loth S Mulungu,Didas N Kimaro,Rhodes H Makundi,Alice Nakiyemba,Fatih Yildiz

doi:10.1080/23311932.2018.1507509

Abstract

The diet and breeding patterns of Mastomys natalensis in semi-arid areas of Isimani division, Iringa region, Tanzania were investigated in maize fields and fallow land. The aim was to investigate t...

Highlights

Rodents are a long-standing pest problem throughout the world, which disproportionately affects rural farmers through damage and loss of field and stored crops (Mdangi et al, 2013; Mulungu, 2003), transmission of diseases (Katakweba et al, 2012) and degrading building structures (Belmain et al 2002)
Mastomys natalensis comprised the highest proportion (> 94%) of rodent species captured in the study area (Table 1)
Diet preferences of M. natalensis The proportion of vegetative materials was significantly (χ2 = 35.19, d.f. = 1, p value

Summary

Introduction

Rodents are a long-standing pest problem throughout the world, which disproportionately affects rural farmers through damage and loss of field and stored crops (Mdangi et al, 2013; Mulungu, 2003), transmission of diseases (Katakweba et al, 2012) and degrading building structures (Belmain et al 2002). Mulungu (2017) and Makundi et al (1991) reported over 20 rodent species from seven genera to be involved in crop damage in different parts of Tanzania, with Mastomys natalensis considered the most abundant and destructive rodent pest. Mulungu et al (2011a) and Odhiambo, Makundi, Leirs, and Verhagen (2008) have shown that M. natalensis is an opportunistic feeder consuming a variety of food types (invertebrates, wild grass seeds, vegetative plant material, fruits, cereal grain crops) dependent upon availability, habitat and season Seasonal variation in the onset of rains is associated with vegetative productivity, which has been shown to trigger M. natalensis breeding (Leirs et al, 1994). Taylor and Green (1976) reported that the food supply of granivorous species is dependent on rainfall and that prolongation of the normal rainy season may generate excess food and cover, resulting in an extended breeding season and unusually large numbers of rodents. Mulungu et al (2011a) and Odhiambo, Makundi, Leirs, and Verhagen (2008) have shown that M. natalensis is an opportunistic feeder consuming a variety of food types (invertebrates, wild grass seeds, vegetative plant material, fruits, cereal grain crops) dependent upon availability, habitat and season

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Discussion

Conclusion