INVESTIGADORES
BILENCA David Norberto
artículos
Título:
Seasonal variations in microhabitat use and food habits of the pampas mouse, Akodon azarae, in agroecosystems of central Argentina
Autor/es:
BILENCA, DAVID N.; KRAVETZ, FO
Revista:
ACTA THERIOLOGICA
Editorial:
POLISH ACAD SCIENCES
Referencias:
Año: 1998 vol. 43 p. 195 - 203
ISSN:
0001-7051
Resumen:
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We studied microhabitat features
and food habits of Akodon azarae
(Fischer, 1829) in agroecosystems of central Argentina. In summer (breeding
season), A. azarae inhabited both
cropfields and their weedy borders. Sexually active females were caught at
microhabitats with 31% more green cover than inactive ones (ANOVA, P<0.05). Females
had 104% more invertebrates in their stomach contents than males (ANOVA
P=0.01). In winter (non-breeding season), A.
azarae individuals were restricted to the borders, selecting sites with
high levels of forbs, green cover and volume (Wilcoxon signed rank tests,
P<0.05). There were no significant differences between sexes, either in
microhabitat use or in food habits. We propose that during the breeding season
green cover may be a limiting factor for the reproductive performance of
females, and that females feed on insects as a source of proteins, which are
required for reproduction. In winter, when the population is sexually inactive,
individuals of both sexes have similar requirements and occupy the most
suitable sites available within a low-quality habitat. Seasonal changes in
environmental availability, along with social organization, and reproductive
status of rodents contribute to explain the microhabitat features and food
habits of A. azarae.
