Main food categories in diets of sigmodontine rodents in the Monte (Argentina)

S. M. GIANNONI; C. E. BORGHI; DACAR, MARIA; CAMPOS, CLAUDIA

MASTOZOOLOGíA NEOTROPICAL

Año: 2005 vol. 12 p. 181 - 187

0327-9383

The present study aims at improving the characterization of the dietary statusof four sigmodontine rodents (Graomys griseoflavus, Akodon molinae, Calomys musculinusand Eligmodontia typus) by quantifying the major food categories (leaves, stems, seeds,Prosopis flexuosa pods, and arthopods) with a modified microhistological technique. The useof this new technique enhances the likelihood of accurately identifying plant parts, such asstems, seeds and fruits that are usually underestimated. Results reveal that hard tissues, likeseeds, are a major resource in the diets while other hard tissues, such as stems and P.flexuosa pods, appear for the first time in the diet of all four species of sigmodontine rodents.Rodent species display considerable trophic flexibility that may be particularly advantageousin arid environments where resource availability is unpredictable and heterogeneous.