학술논문

Activity patterns and burrowing ecology of the giant pouched rat (Cricetomys emini) in Tshuapa Province, D. R. Congo
Document Type
research-article
Source
Mammalia. 86(6):562-569
Subject
activity patterns
burrowing ecology
Cricetomys emini
D.R. Congo
giant pouched rats
Original Study
Language
English
ISSN
0025-1461
1864-1547
Abstract
Rodents of the genus Cricetomys have been reported to be nocturnal with a bimodal activity pattern and to frequently change burrows. However, no studies to date have examined these ecological aspects with the use of radio-telemetry. Five C. emini were captured and radio-collared to study their activity patterns and burrowing ecology from 9 March to 15 April 2016. Nocturnal activity ranged between the hours of 18:00 and 05:00 with a probable reduction of activities between 20:00–23:00 and around 04:00 with diurnal activity between 06:00 and 17:00 h with a reduction of activity between 11:00 and 14:00. While the present study does confirm nocturnal activity and a bimodal pattern, this study also suggests greater diurnal activity as compared to previous studies. Additionally, data presented here also suggest that C. emini may not change burrows as frequently as previously reported.