The effect of cereal harvest on abundance and spatial distribution of Akodon azarae (Rodentia, Muridae) in Central Argentina

CAVIA, REGINO; GÓMEZ VILLAFAÑE, ISABEL; CITTADINO, ALEJANDRO; BILENCA, DAVID; MIÑO, MARIELA; BUSCH, MARÍA

AGRICULTURE, ECOSYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENT

Elservier

Lugar: Canadá; Año: 2005 vol. 107 p. 95 - 99

0167-8809

We studied the effects of corn and wheat harvest on the abundance, habitat distribution, mortality, and emigration rates of Akodon azarae in cropfield - border systems. We conducted rodent sampling both before and arvesting in corn and wheat cropfields, on their borders (weedy margins under fences), and in surrounding areas that were considered different patches of habitat. In general, the abundance of A. azarae decreased in crop fields between the pre- and post-harvest periods whereas it increased along some borders. We detected rodent movements among patches of habitat, and estimated emigration rates between pre- and post-harvest periods were higher than those estimated between only pre-harvest periods or only post-harvest periods. The proportional use of fields with respect to borders decreased between the pre- and post-harvest periods. There were no significant differences among patches of habitat in mortality rates between the pre- and post-harvest periods. We found changes in age structure throughout pre-harvest and post-harvest period, whereas sex ratio did not change. The ability to respond to changes in habitat suitability may be an adaptive allowing A. azarae to survive in periodically perturbed habitats.