The Ecology of Praomys Albipes (Ruppell, 1842) in the Menagesha State Forest, Ethiopia
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Date
1992
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The composition, abundance and distribution of the rodent
fauna in the Menagesha State Forest, Ethiopia was investigated
with particular emphasis on the ecology of the endemic Praomys
albipes. Both snap and live-trapping surveys were conducted to
assess the species composition, activity patterns, reproduction,
embryo sizes, weight and feeding habits of P.albipes.
The snap-trapping surveys from November 1991 to July 1993
at different vegetation zones revealed the following rodents:
Praomys albipes, Pelomys harringtoni, Lophuromys flavopunctatus,
I
i
Mus mahomet, Arvicanthis dembeensis, Rattus rattus, Otomys typus,
Stenocephalemys griseicauda and Dendromus mystacalis. A total of
293 rodents were captured during the snap-trapping surveys.
P.albipes comprised 54.3 % of the total catch followed by Pelomys
harringtoni ( 15.4 %), L.flavopunctatus ( 11.2%) and M.mahomet
( 10.9%). The remaining five species comprised only 8.2%.
P.albipes and L.flavopunctatus were distributed within an
altitudinal range from 2200-3300m asl, occurring in bush, forest
and Erica scrub. Pelomys harringtoni and M.mahomet were common
in Erica scrub and bushy vegetation respectively. P.albipes is
exclusively nocturnal. From snap-trapping , live-trapping and
captive breeding programmes, reproductively active males with
scrotal testes were observed throughout the year and the testes,
once scrotal , remained so throughout life. Females breed
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Biology