Aspectos ecológicos de la comunidad de roedores de la reserva de Mar Chiquita

MALIZIA, ANA; ANTINUCHI CD; VASSALLO, ALDO IVÁN

Reserva de Biósfera Mar Chiquita

Martin

Lugar: Mar del Plata; Año: 2001; p. 287 - 301

Ecological attributes of the rodent assemblage in Mar Chiquita reserve, with emphasis in the subterranean rodent Ctenomys ta/arum.AbstracX. In this chapter we characterized the diversity of rodent species inhabiting Mar Chiquita reserve, providing insights on their life history traits and habitat relationships. At least sixteen species are known to inhabit Mar Chiquita and its surrounding areas, from the small Mus musculus (laucha) to the biggest rodent of the world Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris (carpincho). The wide spectrum of ecological strategies and way of lives developed by this rodent assemblage reflects the amazing habitat diversity offered by this unique ecosystem. The zoonotic relevance of some species, particularly murid rodents, are highlighted and discussed. As part of studies focused on the adaptive strategies of Ctenomys ta/arum to the subterranean environment, demographic and reproductive attributes of a wild population of this subterranean rodent were analyzed. The influence of this burrowing mammal on vegetation and soil nutrients are also emphasized.