The reinfestation of forest rats (Maxomys musschenbroekii) by epifaunistic arthropods in Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Complete removal of arthropods epifaunistic on individual mammals with subsequent monitoring of host recolonization by arthropods has not previously been documented for rodents in primary tropical rain forest. As part of a survey of the ectoparasites and other arthropod associates of small mammals in the primary lowland tropical rain forests of Dumoga-Bone National Park, Sulawesi Utara, Indonesia in February/March 1985, some data were accumulated on arthropod reinfestations on cleaned, marked, recaptured Maxomys musschenbroekii (Jentink) forest rats. Maxomys musschenbroekii is a fairly common murid rodent endemic to Sulawesi and occurring naturally from lowlands to mountain peaks (Musser 1981, Musser et al. 1979). This species was the most frequently trapped mammal in the present study and was recorded at all elevations surveyed (c. 220 m to c. 1300 m), although present data are from lowland forests between c. 220 m and c. 260 m. Rats were live-trapped using coconut and some forest fruits/nuts as bait; traps were set continuously but all M. musschenbroekii were taken when traps were checked in the early morning showing that this species is primarily nocturnal. Trapped individuals were processed immediately (in the forest) for epifauna removal, initially by ether anaesthesia (in a polythene bag) and subsequently by prolonged systematic ketamine hydrochloride anaesthesia. Arthropods (and their eggs, if present) from bags and examination trays were combined with those from meticulous pelage searches for each capture and stored in 70% ethanol prior to microscopical examination for group designation. All M. musschenbroekii individuals were ear and/or toe clipped for future identification and released at their capture site following full recovery from