Population dynamics of small mammals in semi-arid regions: a comparative study of demographic variability in two rodent species.

ABSTRACT: The seasonally determined demographic structure of two semi-arid rodents, both agricultural pest species (the leaf-eared mouse (Phyllotis darwini) in Chile and the multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis) in Tanzania), is analysed using capture-mark-recapture (CMR) statistical models and measures for elasticity (the relative change in the growth rate due to a relative unit change in the parameter of concern) derived from projection linear matrix models. We demonstrate that reproduction and survival during the breeding season contribute approximately equally to population growth in the leaf-eared mouse, whereas the multimammate mouse is characterized by a more clearly defined seasonal structure into breeding and non-breeding seasons and that reproduction contributes far more than survival d

SUBMITTER: Lima M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1691471 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature